Although they are among his earliest published works (1958), Dominick Argento's Six Elizabethan Songs are representative of the composer's style, and have achieved an enduring popularity among singers. Originally composed for high voice (soprano or tenor) and piano, they were later revised to include a Baroque chamber ensemble consisting of flute, oboe, violin, cello and harpsichord. There are three fast, sprightly songs, and three slower movements that are rich and Romantic in sound. Of particular interest are two texts which also appear in notable works by Benjamin Britten—"Spring, the Sweet Spring" ("Spring Symphony") and Ben Jonson's Hymn to Diana, "Queen and Huntress, chaste and fair" (Serenade).

© All Music Guide