This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Fain would I change that note
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Fain would I change that note by John Ireland — Lyrics
Fain would I change that note
To which fond Love hath charmed me,
Long to sing by note,
Fancying that that harmed me:
Yet when this thought doth come,
“Love is the perfect sum
Of all delight,”
I have no other choice,
Either for pen or voice,
To sing or write.
O Love! they wrong thee much
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About Fain would I change that note
John Ireland’s setting of Fain would I change that note is a delightful example of the English part-song tradition. The text, drawn from Captain Tobias Hume’s 1605 collection, celebrates the overwhelming power and sweetness of Love, framing it as the ultimate source of joy and delight. The poet’s initial frustration with love’s influence gives way to complete adoration as they recognise its perfect nature. Ireland’s SATB setting captures this shift in sentiment with expressive harmonies and a flowing melodic line. This secular work is ideal for mixed choirs looking for a piece that combines rich vocal writing with a text of enduring sentiment, exploring themes of devotion and profound happiness.
