Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

before 1597

Publication Date

:

1597

Average_duration

:

2:16

Thomas Morley was an English composer, organist, and theorist who lived from 1557 to 1602. He was a prominent figure in the English Renaissance and is best known for his madrigals, which were popular in the late 16th century. One of Morley's most famous madrigals is "O griefe, even on the bud," which was composed in 1595. The piece is a five-part madrigal that was written for unaccompanied voices. It is a lament about the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The premiere of "O griefe, even on the bud" is not known, but it was likely performed in the late 16th century in England. The piece was published in Morley's collection of madrigals, "The Triumphs of Oriana," which was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. The madrigal is divided into three movements. The first movement is in a minor key and features a mournful melody that is sung by the alto and tenor voices. The second movement is in a major key and features a more hopeful melody that is sung by the soprano and bass voices. The final movement returns to the minor key and features a repetition of the first movement's melody. The characteristics of "O griefe, even on the bud" are typical of Morley's madrigals. The piece features complex harmonies and counterpoint, with each voice part contributing to the overall texture of the piece. The use of dissonance and chromaticism adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. Overall, "O griefe, even on the bud" is a powerful and moving piece of music that reflects the themes of life, death, and the transience of human existence. It is a testament to Morley's skill as a composer and his contribution to the English Renaissance.

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