Composer

:

Orlando Gibbons

Genre

:

Vocal

Publication Date

:

1612

"Faire ladies that to love captived are" is a madrigal composed by Orlando Gibbons in the early 17th century. The piece was first published in 1612 as part of Gibbons' collection of madrigals and motets titled "The First Set of Madrigals and Motets of 5 Parts." The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text taken from Sir Philip Sidney's "Astrophil and Stella." The piece is in the key of G major and is in a lively triple meter. The piece is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section begins with a lively and rhythmic introduction, with the voices entering one by one. The text describes the power of love to captivate even the most virtuous and fair ladies. The music is full of energy and movement, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in intricate counterpoint. The second section is more introspective and melancholic, with the voices singing in a more homophonic style. The text describes the pain and suffering that comes with being in love, and the music reflects this with its mournful harmonies and slower tempo. The final section returns to the lively and energetic style of the opening, with the voices singing in a more imitative and contrapuntal style. The text describes the joy and happiness that comes with being in love, and the music reflects this with its bright and joyful harmonies. Overall, "Faire ladies that to love captived are" is a masterful example of Gibbons' skill as a composer of madrigals. The piece showcases his ability to create intricate and complex counterpoint while still maintaining a sense of clarity and beauty in the music.

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