Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

before 1600

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

1:45

Thomas Morley was an English composer, theorist, and organist who lived from 1557 to 1602. He was one of the most important composers of the English Renaissance, and his works were widely popular during his lifetime. One of his most famous compositions is "What if my mistresse now," a song that was first published in 1595. The song is a part of Morley's collection of madrigals called "The First Booke of Ayres," which was published in London in 1600. The collection contains 21 songs, all of which are written in English and are accompanied by lute or other instruments. "What if my mistresse now" is the second song in the collection and is written for four voices. The song is a love song that expresses the speaker's longing for his mistress. The lyrics are simple and direct, with the speaker asking "What if my mistresse now / Should take me in her armes?" The song then goes on to describe the speaker's feelings of joy and happiness at the thought of being with his mistress. The music of "What if my mistresse now" is typical of Morley's style. It is written in a homophonic texture, with all four voices singing the same melody at the same time. The melody is simple and easy to sing, with a range of only a few notes. The harmony is also simple, with mostly diatonic chords and occasional chromaticism. The song is in a duple meter and is written in a major key. It has a lively and upbeat character, with a tempo that is moderate to fast. The song is divided into two sections, with the second section being a repeat of the first. Overall, "What if my mistresse now" is a charming and delightful song that captures the spirit of the English Renaissance. It is a testament to Morley's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and accessible.

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