Ay me, the fatal arrow
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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Ay me, the fatal arrow by Thomas Morley — Lyrics
About Ay me, the fatal arrow
Thomas Morley’s Ay me, the fatal arrow paints a vivid picture of Cupid’s dart striking deep into the singer’s heart, with the venom spreading through the body. The text expresses deep lament and sorrow, with eyes weeping for the pain that goes even to the marrow. This English madrigal, written for SATTB voices, is a secular work from the late Renaissance. Its intricate vocal writing allows for a rich exploration of the text’s emotional turmoil, making it a compelling choice for a skilled choir seeking to convey pathos and dramatic intensity through the music.