Composer

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William Byrd

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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4:59

"O mistress mine" is a song composed by William Byrd, one of the most prominent English composers of the Renaissance period. The song was composed in the late 16th century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and was first published in 1600 in a collection of songs called "The First Booke of Ayres." The song is a setting of a text from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," specifically from Act II, Scene III. The text is a love song sung by the character of the clown, Feste, to the character of Sir Toby Belch. The song is a playful and lighthearted expression of love, with the speaker urging his beloved to enjoy life and not worry about the future. "O mistress mine" is a relatively simple song, consisting of a single vocal line accompanied by a lute or other plucked string instrument. The song is in a simple duple meter and is written in a major key, giving it a bright and cheerful character. The melody is relatively simple and repetitive, with a few melodic variations in the second half of the song. The song is divided into two main sections, each of which is repeated. The first section begins with the words "O mistress mine, where are you roaming?" and consists of a series of playful questions and suggestions for the speaker's beloved. The second section begins with the words "What is love? 'Tis not hereafter" and is a more reflective and philosophical meditation on the nature of love. Overall, "O mistress mine" is a charming and delightful song that captures the playful and romantic spirit of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night." Its simple melody and cheerful character have made it a popular choice for performances and recordings by both amateur and professional musicians.

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