Composer

:

Orlando Gibbons

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1612

'O that the learned poets of this time' is a choral work composed by Orlando Gibbons, a prominent English composer of the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1620s, during Gibbons' tenure as organist at the Chapel Royal in London. It is believed to have been written for performance at a royal occasion, possibly a state funeral or coronation. The work is divided into five movements, each of which features a different text. The first movement is a setting of a poem by Sir Philip Sidney, while the second and third movements use texts by the Elizabethan poet Edmund Spenser. The fourth movement features a text by the contemporary poet William Drummond, while the final movement is a setting of a text by the anonymous author of a 16th-century ballad. The overall character of the work is one of solemnity and reverence, befitting its likely use in a royal or state occasion. The first movement, for example, features a slow and stately tempo, with the choir singing in unison for much of the piece. The second and third movements are more lively, with the choir singing in harmony and the organ providing a lively accompaniment. The fourth movement is more introspective, with the choir singing in a more subdued manner and the organ providing a gentle, supportive accompaniment. The final movement returns to the solemnity of the opening, with the choir singing in unison and the organ providing a simple, dignified accompaniment. Throughout the work, Gibbons demonstrates his mastery of choral writing, with rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and a keen sense of text setting. The work is a testament to Gibbons' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and meaningful.

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