Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1690

Average_duration

:

2:28

"What Shall I Do?" is a song composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most prominent English composers of the Baroque era. The song is part of the larger work "The Fairy Queen," which is a semi-opera based on William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." "What Shall I Do?" is the 18th movement of the work and was first performed in 1692. The song is a duet between two characters, a man and a woman, who are lamenting their unrequited love for each other. The lyrics express their frustration and confusion about what to do in their situation. The melody is characterized by its melancholic and plaintive tone, which reflects the emotional turmoil of the characters. The composition of "What Shall I Do?" is typical of Purcell's style, which is characterized by its use of chromaticism, dissonance, and unexpected harmonic shifts. The song is written in a minor key, which adds to its somber and melancholic mood. The vocal lines are highly ornamented, with frequent trills, runs, and melismatic passages, which showcase Purcell's skill as a composer of vocal music. The premiere of "The Fairy Queen" was a great success, and "What Shall I Do?" was one of the highlights of the performance. The song has since become one of Purcell's most popular works and is frequently performed in concerts and recitals. Overall, "What Shall I Do?" is a beautiful and poignant example of Purcell's mastery of vocal music. Its emotional depth and expressive melody make it a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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