This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Alas! what hope of speeding
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · James Gibb
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Alas! what hope of speeding by George Kirbye — Lyrics
Alas! what hope of speeding,
Where hope beguil'd lies bleeding?
She bade come, when she spy'd me,
And, when I came, she fly'd me.
Then, when I was beguilèd,
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About Alas! what hope of speeding
George Kirbye’s madrigal Alas! what hope of speeding is a fine example of English secular part-music from the late Renaissance. Written for four voices (SATB), this piece sets a text of unrequited love and playful deceit. The lyrics describe a lover's frustration with a fickle beloved who promises much but delivers little, only to mock their despair. Kirbye’s musical setting captures the witty and somewhat melancholic tone of the words, making it a perfect choice for madrigal groups and chamber choirs looking for engaging repertoire that explores the emotional nuances of love with a light touch.
