Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1612

Publication Date

:

1612

Average_duration

:

2:08

John Dowland's "My heart and tongue were twins" is a lute song that was composed in the late 16th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1590 and 1600. The song was first published in Dowland's "The Second Booke of Songs or Ayres" in 1600. The song is composed of four movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is slow and melancholic, with a mournful melody that reflects the speaker's sadness. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more optimistic tone. The third movement is slower and more introspective, with a haunting melody that reflects the speaker's inner turmoil. The final movement is a return to the first, with a slow and mournful melody that brings the song to a close. The lyrics of "My heart and tongue were twins" are a reflection on the speaker's inability to express their true feelings. The title of the song refers to the speaker's frustration with the fact that their heart and tongue, or their emotions and their ability to communicate, are not in sync. The lyrics describe the speaker's attempts to express their feelings, but ultimately they are unable to find the right words. The song is characteristic of Dowland's style, which is known for its melancholic and introspective tone. Dowland was a master of the lute, and his songs are known for their intricate melodies and complex harmonies. "My heart and tongue were twins" is a prime example of Dowland's skill as a composer, and it remains a popular piece in the lute song repertoire to this day.

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