Composer

:

Orlando Gibbons

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1612

Average_duration

:

4:27

Orlando Gibbons was an English composer and organist who lived from 1583 to 1625. He was a prominent figure in the English Renaissance and is known for his contributions to sacred and secular music. One of his most famous works is the song "What is our life," which was composed in the early 17th century. The song "What is our life" is a four-part vocal composition that was likely written for a small choir or ensemble. It is a melancholy piece that reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The lyrics are based on a poem by Sir Walter Raleigh, which Gibbons set to music. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout. The lyrics describe the transience of life and the inevitability of death, with lines like "What is our life? A play of passion" and "We are but to-day's and yesterday's man." The second movement is faster and more lively, with a more complex melody and harmonies. The lyrics describe the pleasures of youth and the joys of love, with lines like "Youth, beauty, wisdom, courage, virtue, all are slaves to love" and "Love is the blossom where there blows every thing that lives or grows." The final movement returns to the slow, mournful character of the first, with a simple melody and harmonies. The lyrics reflect on the inevitability of death and the hope of eternal life, with lines like "But yet we hope to live, and that makes life a life indeed" and "Death, thou art not death, but a new life." Overall, "What is our life" is a poignant and reflective piece that captures the spirit of the English Renaissance. It is a testament to Gibbons' skill as a composer and his ability to set poetry to music in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful. The song premiered in the early 17th century and has since become a beloved piece of English choral music.

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