Composer

:

William Byrd

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

ca. 1580

Average_duration

:

5:18

'Come to me, grief, for ever' is a choral work composed by William Byrd, one of the most prominent English composers of the Renaissance period. The piece was likely composed in the late 16th century, although the exact date is unknown. It is a setting of a poem by Sir Philip Sidney, a prominent poet and courtier of the Elizabethan era. The work is written for four voices, with the text divided into three stanzas. The first stanza is set for the upper voices, while the second and third stanzas are set for the lower voices. The piece is characterized by its melancholic and mournful tone, reflecting the somber nature of the text. The work is divided into three movements, each corresponding to one of the stanzas of the poem. The first movement is marked "Lento" and is sung by the upper voices. It begins with a descending melody that sets the mournful tone of the piece. The second movement is marked "Adagio" and is sung by the lower voices. It features a more complex and contrapuntal texture, with the voices weaving in and out of each other. The final movement is marked "Largo" and is also sung by the lower voices. It features a descending melody that brings the piece to a somber close. Overall, 'Come to me, grief, for ever' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Byrd's skill as a composer. Its mournful tone and complex harmonies make it a standout piece of Renaissance choral music.

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