Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1610

Publication Date

:

1610

Average_duration

:

2:33

"Lady if you so spite me" 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 minor and consists of four verses, each with a refrain. The melody is accompanied by a lute, which provides a delicate and intricate harmonic accompaniment. The song is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood, which is typical of Dowland's music. The lyrics of the song express the pain and frustration of unrequited love. The speaker addresses his beloved, asking her why she is so cruel to him and why she takes pleasure in his suffering. He laments that he has given her his heart and soul, but she remains indifferent to his feelings. The refrain, "Lady if you so spite me, I'll love you still, though I be forced to kill myself for your sake," expresses the speaker's devotion to his beloved, even in the face of rejection and despair. The song is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, setting the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and a more upbeat melody. The third movement is slower and more introspective, with a more complex harmonic structure. The final movement returns to the melancholic mood of the first movement, bringing the song to a poignant and emotional conclusion. Overall, "Lady if you so spite me" is a beautiful and haunting example of Dowland's mastery of the lute song genre. Its combination of intricate melody and complex harmony, along with its deeply emotional lyrics, make it a timeless masterpiece of Renaissance music.

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