Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

before 1600

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

1:57

"Mistresse mine, well may you fare (O Mistress Mine)" is a popular song composed by Thomas Morley, an English composer, organist, and theorist of the Renaissance era. The song was composed in the late 16th century, around 1595, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. The song is a part of Morley's collection of madrigals, ballets, and canzonets, which were published in 1597 under the title "The First Booke of Balletts to Five Voyces." The collection was a significant contribution to the development of English secular music, and it became very popular during the Elizabethan era. "Mistresse mine, well may you fare (O Mistress Mine)" is a lighthearted and cheerful song that expresses the joy of being in love. The song is written in a simple and catchy melody, with a lively rhythm that reflects the playful and flirtatious nature of the lyrics. The song is composed in a four-part harmony, with the melody sung by the highest voice, and the other voices providing a harmonic accompaniment. The song has a simple structure, with a repeating chorus that is interspersed with verses. The lyrics of the song are in the form of a dialogue between a lover and his mistress. The lover expresses his admiration for his mistress, telling her that she is the fairest and most beautiful woman he has ever seen. He also tells her that he is willing to do anything to please her and make her happy. The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase "Hey, ho, the wind and the rain," which is a common refrain in English folk songs. The phrase is used to express the transience of life and the inevitability of change, but in this song, it is used to emphasize the joy of being in love and the happiness that it brings. Overall, "Mistresse mine, well may you fare (O Mistress Mine)" is a delightful and charming song that captures the spirit of the Elizabethan era. Its simple melody and playful lyrics have made it a popular song for centuries, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed by music lovers around the world.

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