This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Come away, sweet love
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.
SSATB · Brian Russell
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Come away, sweet love by Thomas Greaves — Lyrics
Come away, sweet love, and play thee,
lest grief and care betray thee,
Fa la la.
Leave off this sad lamenting
Read full lyrics
About Come away, sweet love
Thomas Greaves's madrigal Come away, sweet love sets a joyful English text. It is written for SSATB voices, and the music itself invites the singers into a playful dialogue. The composer captures the essence of the opening lines: 'Come away, sweet love, and play thee, lest grief and care betray thee.' The setting unfolds with intricate vocal interplay, echoing the 'Fa la la' refrain with lightness and agility. The piece urges a release from sadness, encouraging instead 'heart's contenting' as 'nymphs to sport invite thee.' Greaves's skilful word-painting vividly depicts the carefree pursuit and delight of the nymphs, making this a vibrant example of secular Renaissance part-music.
