Composer

:

Nicholas Lanier

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

1:51

"Fire, lo how I burn" is a vocal piece composed by Nicholas Lanier, an English composer and singer who lived from 1588 to 1666. The piece was likely composed in the early 17th century, during the reign of King James I. It is a solo song for a high voice, accompanied by a bass viol and lute. The piece is in three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the singer lamenting the pain of unrequited love. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the singer expressing the joy and passion of being in love. The third movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, with the singer reflecting on the pain and sorrow that love can bring. The lyrics of "Fire, lo how I burn" are in English and are written in a poetic style typical of the time. The words are full of imagery and metaphor, with the singer comparing the pain of love to fire and flames. The music is also highly expressive, with Lanier using chromaticism and dissonance to convey the emotional intensity of the lyrics. The piece was likely first performed in the court of King James I, where Lanier was a member of the royal music ensemble. It was later published in a collection of Lanier's works, along with other vocal and instrumental pieces. Overall, "Fire, lo how I burn" is a beautiful and expressive example of early English vocal music. Its combination of poetic lyrics and emotive music make it a powerful expression of the joys and sorrows of love.

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