Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

1603

Publication Date

:

1603

Average_duration

:

3:37

'Flow not so fast ye fountains' is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was composed in the late 16th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, 'The Second Booke of Songs or Ayres' in 1600. The song is written in the key of G major and consists of four verses, each with a refrain. The melody is simple and elegant, with a gentle flow that reflects the song's theme of the transience of life and the inevitability of change. The lyrics, written by an unknown author, are melancholic and reflective, urging the fountains to slow their flow and allow the singer to mourn the passing of time. The song is divided into two sections, with the first section consisting of the first two verses and the second section consisting of the final two verses. The refrain, "Flow not so fast ye fountains," is repeated after each verse, creating a sense of continuity and unity throughout the song. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the singer addressing the fountains and asking them to slow their flow so that he can mourn the passing of time. The second verse expands on this theme, with the singer reflecting on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The third verse shifts the focus to the singer's own mortality, with the refrain changing to "Stay, stay awhile ye fleeting hours." The final verse returns to the theme of the passing of time, with the singer lamenting the loss of youth and beauty. Overall, 'Flow not so fast ye fountains' is a beautiful and poignant lute song that reflects the melancholic spirit of the English Renaissance. Its simple melody and reflective lyrics make it a timeless piece of music that continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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