Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1597

Publication Date

:

1597

Average_duration

:

3:00

"Can she excuse my wrongs" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The First Booke of Songes or Ayres" in 1597. The song is in the key of G minor and consists of four verses, each with a refrain. The melody is simple and melancholic, with a descending chromatic line in the opening phrase. The accompaniment is also relatively simple, with a repeating bass line and occasional chordal flourishes. The lyrics of the song express the speaker's remorse for his past mistakes and his desire for forgiveness from his lover. The refrain, "Can she excuse my wrongs with virtue's cloak?" suggests that the speaker is aware of his wrongdoing but hopes that his lover will forgive him based on her virtuous nature. The song is notable for its use of word painting, particularly in the second verse where the text describes the speaker's tears falling like raindrops. The melody in this section features descending notes that mimic the sound of falling tears. Overall, "Can she excuse my wrongs" is a representative example of Dowland's melancholic and introspective style. The song's simple melody and accompaniment allow the focus to remain on the expressive power of the lyrics.

More....