Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

before 1595

Publication Date

:

1595

Average_duration

:

1:24

"I love, alas, I love thee" is a beautiful and melancholic madrigal composed by Thomas Morley, an English composer, organist, and theorist of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1595, and was first published in his collection of madrigals, "The Triumphs of Oriana," in 1601. The madrigal is written for five voices, with two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. It is a through-composed piece, meaning that each line of text has its own unique musical setting, rather than being repeated throughout the piece. The text is a poem by an unknown author, expressing the pain and sorrow of unrequited love. The piece is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first section begins with a mournful and melancholic melody in the alto voice, accompanied by the other voices in a homophonic texture. The second section features a more lively and rhythmic melody, with the voices imitating each other in a polyphonic texture. The final section returns to the mournful melody of the first section, with the voices gradually fading away to a quiet and somber conclusion. The characteristics of "I love, alas, I love thee" reflect the style of the late Renaissance period. The piece is characterized by its use of polyphonic textures, with each voice contributing to the overall harmony and melody. The melody is often chromatic, with unexpected twists and turns that add to the emotional intensity of the piece. The use of dissonance and suspensions also adds to the emotional impact of the piece, creating a sense of tension and release. Overall, "I love, alas, I love thee" is a beautiful and poignant example of the madrigal genre, showcasing Morley's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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