Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1690

Average_duration

:

3:30

"Since from my dear Astrea's sight" is a song composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most prominent English composers of the Baroque era. The song was composed in 1683 and premiered in the same year. It is also known as Z. 627/App2, as it is part of Purcell's catalog of works. The song is a solo vocal piece with a basso continuo accompaniment. It is written in the key of D minor and has a melancholic and introspective character. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Largo" and is characterized by a slow and mournful melody. The lyrics express the speaker's longing for his beloved Astrea, who has left him. The music is full of sighing motifs and descending chromatic lines, which convey the speaker's sadness and despair. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is more upbeat and lively than the first. The lyrics describe the speaker's attempts to forget Astrea and move on with his life. The music is more rhythmic and dance-like, with a lively bass line and playful melodic motifs. The final movement is marked "Adagio" and returns to the melancholic character of the first movement. The lyrics express the speaker's realization that he cannot forget Astrea and that he will always love her. The music is full of expressive melodic lines and chromatic harmonies, which convey the speaker's emotional turmoil. Overall, "Since from my dear Astrea's sight" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Purcell's mastery of Baroque vocal music. Its expressive melodies and harmonies, combined with its introspective lyrics, make it a timeless masterpiece of English art music.

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