Ford – Since first I saw your face (1607)

Thomas Ford’s “Since First I Saw Your Face” epitomizes the Elizabethan lute song tradition, showcasing the composer’s finesse in merging poetry and music.

Flourishing during the late 16th century, Ford’s composition is an intimate dialogue between voice and lute, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. The carefully chosen text, likely Ford’s own, aligns with the Elizabethan love poetry tradition, enhancing the emotive qualities of the piece.

For music students, studying “Since First I Saw Your Face” offers a concise immersion into the lute song genre. The delicate interplay between voice and lute, coupled with the expressive marriage of poetry and music, unveils the intricate artistry of the Elizabethan period.