This edition was prepared by Mats Lillhannus — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
If the deep sighs
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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If the deep sighs by John Ward — Lyrics
If the deep sighs of an afflicted breast,
O'erwhelm'd with sorrow,
or th' erected of a poor wretch with miseries oppres'd,
for whose complaints tears never could suffice
Have not the power your deities to move,
Who shall e'er look for succour from above?
From whom too long I tarried for relief
Now ask but death, that only ends my grief.
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About If the deep sighs
John Ward’s If the deep sighs is a compelling example of English secular part-music from the late Renaissance or early Baroque period. Scored for SSATTB, the work explores a text of profound lament and despair. The music vividly portrays the anguish of the singer, whose grief is so immense that even tears only serve to swell the flood of sorrow. The intricate vocal writing reflects the Renaissance madrigal tradition, with interwoven lines and expressive harmonies that underscore the emotional intensity of the words. This piece offers a powerful dramatic statement, ideal for a choir seeking to convey deep pathos through a rich, polyphonic texture.
