Composer

:

Henry Lawes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

before 1663

Average_duration

:

2:50

"Slide soft, you silver floods" is a beautiful and melancholic song composed by Henry Lawes, a prominent English composer of the 17th century. The song was composed in the early 1650s and was first performed in the court of King Charles I. It is a part of a collection of songs called "Ayres and Dialogues" that Lawes composed for the court. The song is written in three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple melody that is repeated throughout the song. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody. The third movement returns to the slow and mournful tone of the first movement, bringing the song to a gentle and peaceful close. The lyrics of the song are a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. The opening lines, "Slide soft, you silver floods, and move / In gentle murmurs down your azure grove," set the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with images of nature and the passing of time. The final lines of the song, "And when you fall in tears, those tears / Like me, you'll leave, and leave the world to cares," are a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. Overall, "Slide soft, you silver floods" is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the melancholic spirit of the 17th century. Its simple melody and reflective lyrics make it a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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