Alas that e'er I knew this hour

Samuel Webbe was a prominent composer of glees in the late 18th century. This two-part setting for AT voices, Alas that e'er I knew this hour, is a fine example of the genre. The text explores the pain of heartbreak and dashed expectations, questioning the sincerity of the beloved, Chlora. However, it resolves with a message of reconciliation, suggesting that conflicts in love often arise from jealousy but ultimately lead to sweeter harmony. Webbe’s music would have originally been enjoyed in social gatherings, where the intimate nature of the glee was greatly appreciated.