This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Fair in a morn
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
Preview
0
0
2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
T · Brian Russell
Preview
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Fair in a morn by Thomas Morley — Lyrics
Fair in a morn, O fairest morn:
was ever morn so fair?
When as the sun, but not the same
that shineth in the air,
But of the earth, no earthly sun,
and yet no earthly creature,
There shone a face, was never face
that carried such a feature.
And on a hill, O fairest hill;
was never hill so blessed,
there stood a man, was never man
for no man so distressed.
This man had hap, O happy man;
no man so happ'd as he,
For none had hap to see the hap
that he had happ'd to see.
Read full lyrics
About Fair in a morn
Thomas Morley’s Fair in a morn is a secular English part-song for tenor voice. Its text describes a beautiful morning and the sight of a man on a hill, distressed yet seemingly fortunate in what he witnesses. The imagery evokes a pastoral scene, perhaps one to be contemplated on a spring day. The composer captures the poetic sentiment with flowing melodic lines and intricate vocal interplay. This work showcases Morley's skill in setting English verse, offering a delightful challenge for ensembles seeking refined Renaissance part-music. It is an appealing choice for occasions when light, evocative repertoire is desired.
