Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Aria

Compose Date

:

1689

Average_duration

:

7:10

'O let me weep, Z. 629/40' is a beautiful and melancholic aria composed by Henry Purcell. It was composed in the late 17th century and premiered in 1695. The aria is part of the opera 'The Fairy Queen', which is based on Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. The aria is divided into three movements. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple and repetitive melody that emphasizes the sadness of the lyrics. The second movement is faster and more lively, with a more complex melody that reflects the hope and longing expressed in the lyrics. The final movement returns to the slow and mournful melody of the first movement, bringing the aria to a poignant and emotional conclusion. The characteristics of 'O let me weep' are typical of Purcell's style, which is characterized by its emotional intensity and expressive power. The aria is written for a solo soprano voice, accompanied by a small ensemble of strings and continuo. The instrumentation is simple and understated, allowing the beauty of the vocal melody to shine through. The lyrics of 'O let me weep' express the pain and sorrow of unrequited love. The opening lines, "O let me weep, for ever weep, / My eyes no more shall welcome sleep," set the tone for the rest of the aria, which is filled with images of sadness and despair. The final lines, "Thus let me die, so let me live, / Thus let me grieve, for thus I love," express the bittersweet nature of love and the pain that comes with it. Overall, 'O let me weep' is a beautiful and moving aria that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer and his ability to convey deep emotions through music. Its timeless beauty and emotional power continue to captivate audiences today.

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