Composer

:

Francis Pilkington

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1605

Average_duration

:

3:26

"Ay me, she frowns" is a lute song composed by Francis Pilkington, an English composer and lutenist who lived during the late Renaissance period. The song was composed in the early 17th century, around 1605-1610, and was first published in Pilkington's collection of lute songs, "The First Booke of Songs or Ayres of 4 Parts with Tableture for the Lute" in 1605. The song is a melancholic love song that expresses the pain and sorrow of unrequited love. It is written in the form of a dialogue between the speaker and his lover, who is described as frowning and rejecting his advances. The lyrics are simple and direct, with a clear and emotional expression of the speaker's feelings. The song is composed in a single movement, with a simple and repetitive melody that is accompanied by a lute. The melody is characterized by its melancholic and plaintive tone, which reflects the mood of the lyrics. The lute accompaniment is also simple and understated, with a gentle and delicate touch that complements the melody. The song is typical of the lute song genre, which was popular in England during the Renaissance period. Lute songs were typically composed for solo voice and lute accompaniment, and were often used to express the emotions of love and courtship. They were also popular in the courtly circles of the time, where they were performed by professional musicians and amateurs alike. Overall, "Ay me, she frowns" is a beautiful and poignant example of the lute song genre, and a testament to the skill and artistry of Francis Pilkington as a composer and lutenist. Its emotional depth and simplicity have made it a timeless classic that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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