Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1695

Average_duration

:

2:42

"Hears not my Phyllis, Z. 371" is a beautiful and melancholic song composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most important English composers of the Baroque era. The song was composed in the late 17th century and was first performed in London in 1683. The song is part of a collection of songs called "The Second Book of Ayres," which was published in 1683. The collection includes 20 songs, all of which are written for a solo voice and continuo accompaniment. "Hears not my Phyllis" is the ninth song in the collection. The song 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 hopefulness of the lyrics. The third movement returns to the slow and mournful mood of the first movement, bringing the song to a melancholic close. The lyrics of the song are written by Thomas Shadwell, a prominent English playwright and poet of the time. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is in love with a woman named Phyllis, but she does not return his affections. The man is heartbroken and wonders why Phyllis cannot see how much he loves her. The song is characteristic of Purcell's style, which is known for its emotional depth and expressive melodies. Purcell was a master of the Baroque style, which emphasized the use of ornamental melodies and complex harmonies. His music is also known for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which adds to the emotional intensity of his compositions. Overall, "Hears not my Phyllis" is a beautiful and poignant song that showcases Purcell's mastery of the Baroque style. Its emotional depth and expressive melodies make it a timeless classic that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences today.

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