Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1598

Average_duration

:

1:23

"Sweet hart arise" is a madrigal composed by Thomas Weelkes, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was likely composed in the early 17th century, although the exact date is unknown. It was first published in 1608 in Weelkes' collection of madrigals, "The Triumphs of Oriana." The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text describing a lover urging his sweetheart to wake up and enjoy the beauty of the morning. The piece is in a lively and cheerful mood, with a fast tempo and frequent changes in rhythm and texture. The vocal lines are highly ornamented, with intricate melodic lines and frequent use of word painting to illustrate the text. The piece is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked by a lively and energetic rhythm, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate pattern. The second section is slower and more contemplative, with the voices singing in a more homophonic texture. The final section returns to the lively and energetic mood of the opening, with the voices building to a joyful and exuberant climax. Overall, "Sweet hart arise" is a prime example of Weelkes' skill as a composer of madrigals. The piece showcases his mastery of complex polyphony, intricate melodic lines, and word painting, all of which were hallmarks of the English madrigal style. It remains a popular and beloved piece in the madrigal repertoire to this day.

More....