Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1603

Publication Date

:

1603

Average_duration

:

4:02

"Time stands still" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, one of the most famous English composers of the Renaissance era. The song was composed in the early 17th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires" in 1603. The song is a melancholic reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the transience of human life. It is written in the form of a dialogue between the speaker and time itself, with the speaker lamenting the passing of youth and beauty, while time responds with the inevitability of death and decay. "Time stands still" is composed in a simple, yet elegant style, with a slow and mournful melody that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The song is in the key of G minor and is written in a four-part texture, with the lute providing a delicate accompaniment to the vocal line. The song is divided into two main sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is slow and introspective, with the speaker reflecting on the passage of time and the loss of youth and beauty. The second section is more lively and rhythmic, with the speaker urging time to stop and take notice of the beauty and joy of life before it is too late. Overall, "Time stands still" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the transience of human life and the inevitability of death. It is a testament to Dowland's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the deepest emotions of the human experience in his music.

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