'An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell' by John Dryden
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Late Servant to his Majesty, andOrganist of the Chapel Royal, andof St. Peter's WestminsterIMark how the Lark and Linnet Sing,With rival NotesThey strain their warbling Throats,To welcome in the Spring.But in the close of Night,When Philomel begins her Heav'nly lay,They cease their mutual spite,Drink in her Music with delight,And list'ning and silent, and silent and list'ning,And list'ning and silent obey.IISo ceas'd the rival Crew when Purcell came,They Sung no more, or only Sung his Fame.Struck dumb they all admir'd the God-like Man,The God-like Man,Alas, too soon retir'd,As He too late began.We beg not Hell, our Orpheus to restore,Had He been there,Their Sovereign's fearHad sent Him back before.The pow'r of Harmony too well they know,He long e'er this had Tun'd their jarring Sphere,And left no Hell below.IIIThe Heav'nly Choir, who heard his Notes from high,Let down the Scale of Music from the Sky:They handed him along,And all the way He taught, and all the way they Sung.Ye Brethren of the Lyre, and tuneful Voice,Lament his Lot: but at your own rejoice.Now live secure and linger out your days,The Gods are pleas'd alone with Purcell's Lays,Nor know to mend their Choice.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell: A Masterpiece of Elegiac Poetry
As a literary critic, I have read hundreds of elegiac poems, but none of them have left a lasting impression on me like John Dryden's "An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell." The poem is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that not only mourns the death of the great composer Henry Purcell but also celebrates his life and work. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and techniques used in the poem, its cultural and historical context, and its significance as a work of literature.
The Poem's Themes and Techniques
The poem is structured as an ode, a formal lyric poem that pays tribute to a person, an event or an idea. It is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza having a distinct thematic focus. The first stanza laments Purcell's death and expresses the speaker's grief at the loss of such a talented composer. The second stanza celebrates Purcell's life and his contribution to English music, while the third stanza reflects on the mortality of all human beings and the inevitability of death.
The poem's language is rich and ornate, with elaborate imagery and allusions to classical mythology, which is a hallmark of Dryden's poetry. The opening lines of the poem, "Mark how the lark and linnet sing, / With rival notes / They strain their warbling throats / To welcome in the Spring," create an idyllic pastoral scene that contrasts with the bleakness of the speaker's mood. The use of birdsong as a metaphor for music sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with musical imagery and figurative language.
Throughout the poem, Dryden uses a variety of poetic techniques to convey his message. He makes use of alliteration, assonance, and internal rhyme to create a musical effect that mirrors Purcell's own music. For example, in the line "To mournful measures fall / Slowly they move / As smoothly slow, as in their swan-like state," the repeated "s" and "m" sounds create a mournful and elegiac tone that reflects the subject matter of the poem. Similarly, the use of enjambment, where a line of verse runs on to the next, creates a sense of flow and continuity that mirrors the fluidity of Purcell's music.
The Cultural and Historical Context of the Poem
To fully understand the significance of "An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell," it is important to consider the cultural and historical context in which it was written. Henry Purcell was a celebrated composer and musician who had made a significant contribution to English music during his short life. He died in 1695 at the age of just 36, and his death was widely mourned by his contemporaries.
At the time that Dryden wrote the poem, England was in the midst of a cultural and political revolution. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 had seen the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, which ushered in a new era of political and religious tolerance. This period of change and upheaval was reflected in the arts, with new forms of poetry, music, and drama emerging that reflected the changing times.
"An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell" can be seen as a reflection of this cultural and historical context. Dryden's elegiac poem not only mourns the loss of a great composer but also celebrates the continuity of English music and culture. The poem can be seen as a statement of national and cultural identity, in which Purcell is held up as an example of English excellence and creativity.
The Significance of the Poem as a Work of Literature
"An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell" is a significant work of literature for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is a masterful example of elegiac poetry, which explores the themes of death and mortality in a highly original and moving way. Dryden's use of musical imagery and allusions to classical mythology creates a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that rewards close reading and analysis.
Secondly, the poem is a reflection of the cultural and historical context in which it was written. Dryden's elegy for Purcell can be seen as a statement of national and cultural pride, in which the continuity of English music and culture is celebrated. The poem is also an example of the interplay between politics, culture, and literature, with the changing political and social landscape of England reflected in the arts.
Finally, the poem is significant as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire its readers. Dryden's elegy for Purcell is a deeply personal and moving tribute to a great composer, but it is also a statement about the human condition and the inevitability of death. The poem speaks to us across the centuries, reminding us of the fragility of life and the power of art to transcend it.
In conclusion, "An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell" is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that explores the themes of death, mortality, and the power of art. Dryden's use of musical imagery and allusions to classical mythology creates a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that is a testament to the enduring power of poetry. The poem is also significant as a reflection of the cultural and historical context in which it was written, and as a statement of national and cultural pride.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
John Dryden's "An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell" is a classic piece of poetry that pays tribute to the life and work of the famous English composer, Henry Purcell. The poem was written in 1695, shortly after Purcell's untimely death at the age of 36. Dryden's ode is a moving and powerful tribute to Purcell's genius, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest elegies in the English language.
The poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each of which is composed of four lines of iambic pentameter. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the poem is written in a formal and elevated style that befits the subject matter. The opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Dryden mourns the loss of Purcell and expresses his admiration for the composer's talent:
Mark how the lark and linnet sing: With rival notes They strain their warbling throats To welcome in the spring.
The imagery of the lark and linnet singing in harmony is a metaphor for the beauty and harmony of Purcell's music. Dryden goes on to describe Purcell's music as a "divine art," and he praises the composer's ability to "raise the soul to heaven" with his melodies.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as Dryden describes the impact of Purcell's death on the world of music:
But oh! what art can teach, What human voice can reach, The sacred organ's praise? Notes inspiring holy love, Notes that wing their heavenly ways To mend the choirs above.
Here, Dryden is lamenting the fact that no human voice or instrument can truly capture the beauty and power of Purcell's music. He describes the organ as a "sacred" instrument, and he suggests that Purcell's music has the power to elevate the soul and bring us closer to the divine.
The third stanza of the poem is a tribute to Purcell's skill as a composer. Dryden describes Purcell as a "mighty genius" who was able to create music that was both beautiful and profound:
Orpheus could lead the savage race; And trees unrooted left their place, Sequacious of the lyre: But bright Cecilia raised the wonder higher; When to her organ vocal breath was given, An angel heard, and straight appeared, Mistaking earth for heaven.
Dryden is comparing Purcell to Orpheus, the legendary musician of Greek mythology who was able to charm even the beasts with his music. He suggests that Purcell's music was even more powerful than Orpheus's, as it had the ability to transport the listener to a higher realm of existence. The reference to Cecilia is also significant, as she is the patron saint of music. Dryden is suggesting that Purcell's music was so beautiful that it was able to summon an angel from heaven.
The final stanza of the poem is a tribute to Purcell's legacy. Dryden suggests that Purcell's music will live on long after his death, and that it will continue to inspire and uplift future generations:
Thus long ago, Ere heaving bellows learned to blow, While organs yet were mute; Timotheus to his breathing flute And sounding lyre, Could swell the soul to rage, or kindle soft desire. At last divine Cecilia came, Inventress of the vocal frame; The sweet enthusiast, from her sacred store, Enlarged the former narrow bounds, And added length to solemn sounds, With nature's mother-wit, and arts unknown before.
Dryden is comparing Purcell to Timotheus, a legendary musician of ancient Greece who was said to be able to move his listeners to tears or to laughter with his music. He suggests that Purcell's music was just as powerful as Timotheus's, and that it was able to evoke a wide range of emotions in the listener. The reference to Cecilia is also significant, as she is credited with inventing the organ and with expanding the range of vocal music. Dryden is suggesting that Purcell was a true innovator in the world of music, and that his contributions will be remembered for centuries to come.
In conclusion, John Dryden's "An Ode, On The Death Of Mr. Henry Purcell" is a powerful and moving tribute to one of England's greatest composers. Dryden's use of metaphor, imagery, and allusion creates a vivid and emotional portrait of Purcell's life and work. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of music, and it is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to creating beauty and harmony through his art.
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