Meaning of "Ayre" in Music
In music, the term "ayre" (also spelled "air" or "ayre") refers to a genre of solo song with lute accompaniment that was popular in England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The genre was characterized by graceful, elegant, and polished songs, often dealing with amorous subjects. Many ayres were strophic songs, meaning they had the same music for each stanza. However, some ayres were lively and animated, while others were deeply emotional and relied on bold harmonies and striking melodic lines.
The term "ayre" can also be applied to interchangeable melodies of folk songs and ballads. Additionally, in the context of classical music, an "air" can refer to a song-like vocal or instrumental composition. Composers in the Baroque and classical periods wrote airs for instrumental ensembles without a voice. These were often lyrical pieces, sometimes movements within larger compositions ).
It's worth noting that the term "ayre" is an older spelling of "air" and is not commonly used in modern music terminology.
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