Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Madrigal

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

4:36

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"O care, wilt thou dispatch me" is a madrigal composed by Thomas Weelkes, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, around 1600, and was first published in his collection of madrigals, "Madrigals of 5 and 6 Parts" in 1600. The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text taken from a poem by Sir Edward Dyer. The piece is in the key of G minor and is in a lively triple meter. The piece is divided into three sections, with each section having a different character and mood. The first section begins with a lively and rhythmic introduction, with the voices entering one by one. The text is set in a lively and playful manner, with the voices imitating each other and creating a sense of joyful energy. The second section is more introspective and melancholic, with the text expressing the speaker's desire for death to come quickly and end their suffering. The music is slower and more contemplative, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a more complex and intricate manner. The final section returns to the lively and energetic character of the opening, with the voices coming together in a joyful and celebratory conclusion. The piece ends with a final flourish, with the voices rising to a triumphant conclusion. Overall, "O care, wilt thou dispatch me" is a masterful example of Weelkes' skill as a composer of madrigals. The piece showcases his ability to create complex and intricate vocal textures, while also imbuing the music with a sense of joy and playfulness. The piece remains a beloved example of English Renaissance music to this day.

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