Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

1597

Publication Date

:

1597

Average_duration

:

2:01

"Think'st thou then by thy feigning" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was likely composed in the early 17th century, during Dowland's later years. It was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "A Pilgrimes Solace," which was printed in 1612. The song is written in a melancholic and introspective style, which is characteristic of Dowland's music. It is composed in the key of G minor and features a simple, yet expressive melody that is accompanied by a lute. The song is divided into three distinct sections, or movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the song's theme. The first movement begins with a plaintive melody that sets the tone for the entire song. The lyrics, which are written in the first person, express the speaker's feelings of betrayal and disappointment. The speaker accuses his lover of feigning affection and asks if she thinks that her actions will go unnoticed. The second movement features a more complex melody that is accompanied by a more intricate lute part. The lyrics continue to explore the theme of betrayal, but also express a sense of resignation and acceptance. The speaker acknowledges that his lover's actions have caused him pain, but also recognizes that he cannot change the past. The final movement returns to the simple melody of the first movement, but with a slightly different variation. The lyrics express a sense of longing and regret, as the speaker reflects on what might have been if his lover had been true to him. The song ends on a melancholic note, with the speaker resigned to his fate. Overall, "Think'st thou then by thy feigning" is a beautiful and poignant example of Dowland's skill as a composer and his ability to express complex emotions through music. Its introspective and melancholic style is characteristic of Dowland's music, and it remains a popular piece among lute players and early music enthusiasts today.

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