Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1689

Average_duration

:

3:14

"When I have often heard, Z. 629/23" is a beautiful and melancholic song composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most prominent English composers of the Baroque era. The song was composed in the late 17th century and was first performed in London in 1692. The song is part of a larger work called "The Fairy Queen," which is a semi-opera based on Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." "When I have often heard" is part of Act III, which is set in the forest and features the fairy queen Titania and her court. The song is a solo for Titania, and it is a lament for lost love. The lyrics, written by Thomas Betterton, express the pain and sadness of a broken heart. The melody is haunting and beautiful, with a slow and mournful tempo that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that emphasizes the sadness of the lyrics. The second movement is more lively and features a more complex melody, with a faster tempo and more intricate rhythms. The third movement returns to the slow and mournful character of the first, with a simple and beautiful melody that brings the song to a gentle close. Overall, "When I have often heard" is a beautiful and moving song that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer. Its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

More....