Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

1597

Publication Date

:

1597

Average_duration

:

2:54

John Dowland's "My thoughts are winged with hopes" is a lute song that was composed in the late 16th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1590 and 1600. The song was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The Second Booke of Songs or Ayres," which was printed in London in 1600. The song is in the key of G major and is written in a simple, straightforward style. It consists of a single stanza of six lines, each with a rhyme scheme of ABABCC. The melody is relatively simple, with a range of just over an octave, and the accompaniment is sparse, consisting of simple chord progressions played on the lute. The lyrics of the song are typical of Dowland's melancholic style, expressing the pain of unrequited love and the hope that the object of the singer's affection will one day return his feelings. The opening line, "My thoughts are winged with hopes," sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer expresses his longing for the one he loves. Despite its simplicity, "My thoughts are winged with hopes" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of Dowland's style. Its popularity has endured for centuries, and it remains a favorite of lute players and singers alike.

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