It is in four sections, each consisting of repeated 8-bar strains. Fortunately the lute accompaniment still exists, and is not too challenging, so I have transcribed it for ukulele.
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| Robert Devereux in a portrait by Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger Image from Wikipedia |
Robert Devereux (1565 – 1601), second Earl of Essex, was a distant relation of Elizabeth I, a brave soldier and a poet. He became a favourite of the queen, but lost his head on a charge of treason.
Daniel Bacheler (1572 – 1619) was a lutenist and composer, who at one time worked for Devereux, and later held office in the court of the wife of James I / VI. His style of playing was at the time considered complex and difficult, but this accompaniment isn't too hard.
The piece was published in Robert Dowland's A musicall banquet. I can't find a facsimile online, but you can see a transcription here.
I have provided links to the arrangement below. There is also a MIDI file of the melody – played on an oboe, which is the least horrible synthesised melody instrument on my computer.
Links:
P.S. As the galliards by Bacheler and Dowland diverged so far from the original air, I am making a plain and simple arrangement for ukulele, sticking to the melody. I will post it in a few days.
