This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Fly not so swift my dear
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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3 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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Fly not so swift my dear by John Wilbye — Lyrics
Fly not so swift, my dear, behold me dying,
If not a smiling glance for all my crying,
Yet kill me with thy frowns.
The Satyrs o'er the lawns full nimbly dancing,
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About Fly not so swift my dear
John Wilbye's Fly not so swift my dear is a four-part madrigal for SATB choir, written in English. The music opens with a lively contrapuntal texture, reflecting the playful yet urgent tone of the text. The lyrics depict a lover imploring their beloved to slow down, lest their beauty cause the lover's death. Wilbye masterfully uses word painting to illustrate the imagery, from the swiftness of the beloved and the dancing satyrs to the lover's plea and fearful gaze. This secular Renaissance part-song captures the dramatic and emotional heart of its subject with agile vocal writing.
