Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Average_duration

:

5:31

'Loth to depart, P 69' is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was composed in the early 17th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, 'The Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires' in 1603. The song is in the key of G major and consists of four verses, each with a refrain. The melody is simple and elegant, with a gentle and melancholic character that is typical of Dowland's style. The lyrics express the speaker's reluctance to leave his lover, even though he knows he must. The refrain, "Farewell, adieu, my heart's delight," is repeated after each verse, emphasizing the speaker's sorrow at having to part from his beloved. The song is divided into two main sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is slow and mournful, with a simple and repetitive melody that emphasizes the speaker's sadness. The second section is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody that reflects the speaker's hope that he will one day be reunited with his lover. Overall, 'Loth to depart, P 69' is a beautiful and poignant example of Dowland's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the complex emotions of love and loss in his music. Its popularity has endured for centuries, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of lute songs and early music.

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