Composer

:

Thomas Campion

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1613

Average_duration

:

2:03

"O Dear that I with thee might live" is a beautiful and melancholic song composed by Thomas Campion, an English composer, poet, and physician. The song was composed in the late 16th century and was first published in 1613 in Campion's collection of songs titled "The Third and Fourth Booke of Ayres." The song is a part of the Ayres, which is a collection of songs that were popular in the Elizabethan era. The Ayres were typically composed for voice and lute, and they were often performed in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. "O Dear that I with thee might live" is a perfect example of the Ayres, as it is a simple yet beautiful song that is meant to be sung with a lute accompaniment. The song is composed of three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is slow and melancholic, with a simple melody that is meant to convey the sadness and longing of the lyrics. The second movement is more upbeat and lively, with a faster tempo and a more complex melody that is meant to convey the joy and happiness of being with the person the singer loves. The third movement is a return to the slow and melancholic melody of the first movement, with a simple and haunting melody that is meant to convey the sadness and longing of the lyrics. The lyrics of "O Dear that I with thee might live" are simple yet powerful, expressing the singer's longing to be with the person they love. The lyrics are full of imagery and metaphors, with the singer comparing their love to a flower that withers without the sun, and their separation to a ship lost at sea. Overall, "O Dear that I with thee might live" is a beautiful and haunting song that perfectly captures the melancholic beauty of the Elizabethan era. It is a testament to the enduring power of music and poetry, and a reminder of the timeless beauty of love and longing.

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