My dearest, my fairest (Henry Purcell)

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• (Posted 2025-11-19)  CPDL #87479:         

Editor: Wim Looyestijn (submitted 2025-11-19).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 44 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Original version for two voices in a-minor with realised continuo.

• (Posted 2025-11-19)  CPDL #87480:     

Editor: Wim Looyestijn (submitted 2025-11-19).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 46 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Same as #87479 transposed down a fourth o e-minor.

General Information

Title: My dearest, my fairest
Composer: Henry Purcell
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 2vv   Voicing: SA
Genre: Secular, Aria

Language: English
Instruments: Basso continuo

First published: 1700 Pausanias
    2nd published: 1745 Orpheus Britannicus
Description: 

Original text and translations

English text

My dearest, my fairest, I languish for you.
Thy sweetness has won me,
Thy charms have undone me,
I ne'er, no ne'er shall be free.
And if from thee parted, I burn till we meet,
Ah, why are love's hours so short and so sweet!
thus loving, and kissing, fresh joys we'll pursue,
and ever be happy, and ever be true.
But alas! should you change,
Ah, tell me not so!
No, never, my dearest,
No, never my fairest, ah, no!