'Love not me for comely grace' Summary

'Love not me for comely grace' is a madrigal by John Wilbye, a prominent English composer known for his mastery of this vocal form. The madrigal, popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, combines poetry and music in a complex and expressive way. Wilbye's madrigal is a beautiful and moving composition that explores themes of love, beauty, and the fleeting nature of earthly delights. The text, set to music with exquisite detail, reflects a speaker's desire for love that is not based on superficial qualities but on genuine affection and understanding. Wilbye's use of 'false relations,' a harmonic technique that creates dissonance between major and minor modes, adds a layer of emotional depth and complexity to the piece. The recordings in this collection provide listeners with a diverse range of interpretations of Wilbye's masterpiece, showcasing the power and beauty of this enduring work of art.