Composer

:

Robert Johnson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

ca. 1614

Average_duration

:

3:56

'Care-Charming Sleep' is a lute song composed by Robert Johnson, a prominent English composer and lutenist of the early 17th century. The song was likely composed in the early 1600s, during the reign of King James I, and was first performed in the royal court. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with a gentle melody that evokes a sense of calm and tranquility. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and more complex harmonies. The final movement returns to the slower, more contemplative mood of the first, with a haunting melody that lingers in the mind long after the song has ended. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Care-Charming Sleep' is its use of word painting, a technique in which the music reflects the meaning of the lyrics. For example, in the first movement, the melody rises and falls like the ebb and flow of the tide, echoing the imagery of the lyrics which describe the sea. In the second movement, the lively and energetic music reflects the joyful and playful mood of the lyrics, which describe a group of nymphs dancing in a meadow. Overall, 'Care-Charming Sleep' is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that showcases Robert Johnson's skill as a composer and lutenist. Its haunting melodies and intricate harmonies have made it a beloved piece of music for centuries, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences around the world.

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