Composer

:

Richard Alison

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1599

Average_duration

:

5:41

"Alison's Knell" is a composition by Richard Alison, a prominent English lutenist and composer of the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in the early 1600s, although the exact date is unknown. It is a solo lute piece that is characterized by its haunting and melancholic melody. The premiere of "Alison's Knell" is also unknown, but it was likely performed in private settings for wealthy patrons or at court. The piece was published in Alison's collection of lute music, "An Howres Recreation in Musicke," which was printed in London in 1606. "Alison's Knell" is a single-movement piece that is played in a slow and mournful tempo. The piece is written in the key of D minor and is in a binary form, with two distinct sections that are repeated. The first section features a descending melody that is played in a dotted rhythm, while the second section features a rising melody that is played in a more flowing rhythm. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The melody is also characterized by its use of ornamentation, such as trills and grace notes, which add to the melancholic mood of the piece. Overall, "Alison's Knell" is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases Alison's skill as a composer and lutenist. Its melancholic melody and use of dissonance make it a standout piece in the repertoire of early English lute music.

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