Ay me, the fatal arrow - Choir Script PDF Thumbnail
Preview
0 0
Edition by James Gibb
1 downloads
Added Jul 29, 2026
2 editions of this piece

Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.

SATTB · Brian Russell Preview
Composer: Thomas Morley
Format: Staff
Language: English
Pages: 2 pages
This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.

Ay me, the fatal arrow by Thomas Morley — Lyrics

Ay me, the fatal arrow That drives ev'n to the marrow, Cupid from out his quiver Hath pluck'd and pierc'd my liver.
Read full lyrics

About Ay me, the fatal arrow

Thomas Morley’s Ay me, the fatal arrow paints a vivid picture of Cupid’s dart striking deep into the singer’s heart, with the venom spreading through the body. The text expresses deep lament and sorrow, with eyes weeping for the pain that goes even to the marrow. This English madrigal, written for SATTB voices, is a secular work from the late Renaissance. Its intricate vocal writing allows for a rich exploration of the text’s emotional turmoil, making it a compelling choice for a skilled choir seeking to convey pathos and dramatic intensity through the music.