Composer

:

John Wilbye

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1609

Average_duration

:

4:27

"Weep, Weep, Mine Eyes, My Heart Can Take No Rest" is a madrigal composed by John Wilbye, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, and is one of Wilbye's most famous works. It was first published in 1598 in a collection of madrigals called "The Triumphs of Oriana." The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text in English. It is a melancholic piece, with the lyrics expressing the pain of unrequited love. The first line, "Weep, weep, mine eyes, my heart can take no rest," sets the tone for the entire piece. The music is slow and mournful, with long, sustained notes and frequent use of dissonance. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and somber, with the voices singing in unison for much of the time. The second movement is more lively, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate pattern. The third movement returns to the mournful tone of the first, with the voices singing in harmony and the music gradually fading away to a quiet conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of "Weep, Weep, Mine Eyes" is its use of word painting. Throughout the piece, the music reflects the meaning of the lyrics. For example, when the text speaks of tears, the music becomes more dissonant and the voices break into separate parts. When the text speaks of sighs, the music becomes more breathy and fragmented. Overall, "Weep, Weep, Mine Eyes, My Heart Can Take No Rest" is a beautiful and poignant example of Renaissance madrigal music. Its expressive and emotional qualities have made it a favorite of choral groups and audiences alike for centuries.

More....