Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1691

Average_duration

:

2:51

"Thus to a ripe, consenting maid" is a song composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most prominent English Baroque composers. 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." "The Fairy Queen" was composed in 1692 and premiered at the Queen's Theatre in London on May 2, 1692. "Thus to a ripe, consenting maid" is the tenth movement of "The Fairy Queen" and is set in Act III, Scene 2. The song is sung by the character of Mopsa, a shepherdess, who is teasing her friend, Dorinda, about her love life. The lyrics of the song are playful and suggestive, with Mopsa encouraging Dorinda to give in to her desires and enjoy the pleasures of love. Musically, "Thus to a ripe, consenting maid" is a lively and upbeat song, with a jaunty melody and a bouncy rhythm. The song is written in the key of G major and features a simple, repetitive chord progression. The vocal line is ornamented with trills and runs, adding to the playful and flirtatious nature of the song. Overall, "Thus to a ripe, consenting maid" is a charming and lighthearted song that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer of vocal music. The song is a perfect example of the Baroque style, with its ornate melodies, lively rhythms, and playful lyrics.

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