This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
All is not gold
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs, 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.
SATTB · James Gibb
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All is not gold by William Joseph Westbrook — Lyrics
AN INVECTIVE AGAINST LOVE.
All is not gold that shineth bright in show;
Not every flower so good as fair to sight;
The deepest streams above do calmly flow,
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About All is not gold
William Joseph Westbrook’s All is not gold is a rich setting for SATTB voices, evoking the madrigal tradition. The music explores the text’s cynical warning about deceptive appearances. Westbrook uses the ensemble’s full SATBB range to portray the fickle and untrustworthy nature of love and superficial beauty. The interwoven vocal lines and dynamic contrasts create a compelling portrayal of the song’s theme, where beauty often masks hidden danger. This secular English part-song from England's Helicon (1611) offers a chance for expressive ensemble singing, delving into the nuances of its witty and cautionary message.
