This edition was prepared by Nalei HU — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
If music be the food of love
Staff Notation • Secular, Arias, Partsongs
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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.
Solo Soprano · Philip Legge
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If music be the food of love by Henry Purcell — Lyrics
If music be the food of love,
sing on till I am fill'd with joy;
for then my list'ning soul you move
with pleasures that can never cloy,
your eyes, your mien, your tongue declare
that you are music ev'rywhere.
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About If music be the food of love
Purcell’s If music be the food of love is a solo song for soprano voice, setting a text that celebrates the intoxicating power of music. The music itself is characterized by its flowing melodic lines and expressive harmonies, which vividly capture the text's imagery of pleasure and surrender. The composer's skillful setting enhances the emotional arc of the poem, moving from ecstatic joy to a fervent plea for salvation. This aria offers a delightful opportunity for a soloist to explore both vocal agility and profound emotional expression, making it a fitting choice for recitals and concerts.
