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Work

Thomas Weelkes Composer

Four arms, two necks, one wreathing (a3)   

Performances: 2
Tracks: 2
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Musicology:
  • Four arms, two necks, one wreathing (a3)
    Year: 1608
    Genre: Madrigal
    Pr. Instrument: Voice
This madrigal's text makes the meaning fairly explicit: "Four arms, two necks, one wreathing/Two pairs of lips, one breathing. Fa la/ Two hearts that multiply/Sighs interchangeably. Fa la." But even if the text didn't make it clear what was being described, the close harmonics, sensually slow tempo, and intimate murmurs of the "fa la" passages make this one of the most suggestive pieces of music to come out of the Elizabethan age—which is saying a lot! It's written for three voices, which can be interpreted as either a menage a trois, or (less fun but more likely), the higher voice acts as a commentator, while the two lower voices, with their almost whispered harmonies, paint the picture.

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