38. John Bennet, Weep O Mine Eyes
The poetical term “word painting” describes music that reflects the literal meaning of its lyrics (think of the spoonful of sugar helping the medicine go do-own). This technique is especially associated with Renaissance madrigals, a cappella songs for small vocal groups. In this transcendently beautiful song, the interwoven melodies descend like the tears described, then swell with lines of exquisite yearning: “Oh when begin you / to swell so high that I may drown me in you?” Like a wave, we ride it up and over its crest, then sink beneath the surface of the song in its final notes.
John Bennet, “Weep O Mine Eyes,” 1599. Recorded by the Cambridge Singers under the direction of John Rutter, 1984.
This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day through May 31, 2025. Inspired by my MFAH 100 project.
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Absolutely gorgeous....thank you....I was not familiar with this but am a great lover of Rutter's music and choral directing. JUst lovely...blessings....