This edition was prepared by Wim Looyestijn — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
He leaves he flights
Staff Notation • Secular, Lute songs
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He leaves he flights by John Blow — Lyrics
He leaves, he flights his precious Rest,
to force a restless Nation to be blest;
Such Valor, Prudence, Piety had'n spight of odds,
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About He leaves he flights
John Blow’s He leaves he flights is a solo song for treble voice, likely written for private performance. It is part of the tradition of English secular lute songs, popular in the late 17th century. The text speaks of a leader who sacrifices his own peace for the good of his nation, lamenting discord and a scourging age. The poem praises valour, prudence, and piety, and compares the subject to Britain setting herself free. The composer’s distinctive style, with its clear melodic lines and expressive harmonic language, perfectly captures the sentiments of the text. This short, intimate work offers a moment of reflection on leadership and national struggle.
