Composer

:

John Wilbye

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:33

'Happy, O Happy He, Who Not Affecting' is a madrigal composed by John Wilbye, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1595, 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 Sir Philip Sidney. The piece is in the key of G major and is in a lively triple meter. The piece is divided into three sections, with each section featuring different vocal combinations and textures. The first section of the madrigal features the full five-voice ensemble singing in harmony. The second section features a duet between the alto and tenor voices, with the other voices providing a rhythmic accompaniment. The final section features a solo soprano voice singing the main melody, with the other voices providing a counterpoint. The piece is characterized by its lively and joyful mood, with the text celebrating the happiness of those who are not affected by love. The music reflects this mood with its bright and energetic melodies, lively rhythms, and playful vocal interplay. The piece also features a number of musical devices common to madrigals of the era, such as word painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the text, and chromaticism, where the music uses notes outside of the key to create tension and interest. Overall, 'Happy, O Happy He, Who Not Affecting' is a lively and joyful madrigal that showcases Wilbye's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its playful melodies and energetic rhythms make it a popular piece in the madrigal repertoire to this day.

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