This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Adieu, ye city pris'ning towers
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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Adieu, ye city pris'ning towers by Thomas Tomkins — Lyrics
Adieu, ye city pris'ning towers,
Better are the country bowers.
Winter is gone, the trees are springing,
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About Adieu, ye city pris'ning towers
Thomas Tomkins paints a joyous scene of departure from the confines of the city to the freedom of the countryside. The opening lines evoke a sense of release as the singer bids farewell to urban structures, embracing the natural beauty of spring. The text celebrates the season's arrival with imagery of burgeoning trees and the cheerful songs of birds. This secular English madrigal for SSATB voices captures the spirit of pastoral renewal and the pleasure of nature's awakening. The music likely reflects the text's delight and lightness, inviting listeners to share in this idyllic vision of country life.
