Composer

:

Roger Quilter

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

1:26

"Take, o take those lips away" is a song composed by Roger Quilter, a British composer, in 1908. It is the fourth song in his Opus 23 collection, which consists of five songs. The song is based on a text from William Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure." The song premiered in 1908, and it quickly became one of Quilter's most popular compositions. It is a part of the English art song tradition, which was popular in the early 20th century. The song is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. "Take, o take those lips away" is a slow and melancholic song, with a simple and elegant melody. The song is in the key of G major and has a 4/4 time signature. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with simple chords that support the vocal line. The song has a gentle and lyrical quality, which is typical of Quilter's style. The song has two main sections, with a short introduction and coda. The first section is in a minor key and features a descending melody that emphasizes the melancholic mood of the text. The second section is in a major key and features a rising melody that expresses the hope and longing of the text. The text of the song is taken from Act IV, Scene I of "Measure for Measure." The text is a plea from Claudio to his sister Isabella to intercede on his behalf with Angelo, the Duke's deputy, who has sentenced him to death for fornication. The text expresses the idea that love and beauty are fleeting and that they should be enjoyed while they last. Overall, "Take, o take those lips away" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of the English art song tradition. It is a testament to Quilter's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both simple and profound.

More....