Composer

:

John Wilbye

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:06

'Come shepherd, swains, that wont to hear me sing' is a madrigal composed by John Wilbye, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1590, and was first published in 1598 in Wilbye's collection of madrigals, "The First Set of English Madrigals". The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text taken from a poem by Thomas Lodge. 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 energetic vocal fanfare, with the voices entering one by one in a playful and rhythmic manner. The text is a call to the shepherds and swains to come and listen to the singer's song, and the music reflects this joyful and inviting mood. The second section is more introspective and melancholic, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a more complex and intricate manner. The text speaks of the singer's love for a shepherdess, and the music reflects this longing and yearning mood. The final section returns to the joyful and lively character of the opening, with the voices coming together in a celebratory and triumphant manner. The text speaks of the singer's desire to be with his love, and the music reflects this sense of joy and fulfillment. Overall, 'Come shepherd, swains, that wont to hear me sing' is a prime example of Wilbye's skill in crafting intricate and expressive madrigals. The piece showcases his ability to create complex and varied textures, while still maintaining a sense of unity and coherence. The piece is a testament to the beauty and power of Renaissance vocal music, and remains a beloved work in the madrigal repertoire to this day.

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