Composer

:

Thomas Robinson

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

2:06

Merry Melancholie (12) is a composition for solo lute by Thomas Robinson, a prominent English lutenist and composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the early 17th century and is believed to have been premiered around 1603. Merry Melancholie (12) is a set of variations on a popular tune of the time, which was often used as a basis for improvisation and composition. The piece consists of twelve movements, each of which is a variation on the original theme. The variations are diverse in character and style, ranging from lively and playful to introspective and melancholic. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic variation, featuring fast runs and intricate fingerwork. The second movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The third movement is a lively dance, featuring syncopated rhythms and playful melodic lines. The fourth movement is a more introspective variation, with a slower tempo and a more melancholic mood. The fifth movement is a lively and virtuosic variation, featuring fast runs and intricate fingerwork. The sixth movement is a more subdued variation, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The seventh movement is a lively dance, featuring syncopated rhythms and playful melodic lines. The eighth movement is a more introspective variation, with a slower tempo and a more melancholic mood. The ninth movement is a lively and virtuosic variation, featuring fast runs and intricate fingerwork. The tenth movement is a more subdued variation, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The eleventh movement is a lively dance, featuring syncopated rhythms and playful melodic lines. The twelfth and final movement is a more introspective variation, with a slower tempo and a more melancholic mood. Overall, Merry Melancholie (12) is a virtuosic and diverse set of variations on a popular tune of the time. The piece showcases Robinson's skill as a lutenist and his ability to create a wide range of moods and styles within a single composition.

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