John Dowland arr. by Percy Grainger - "Now, O Now, I Needs Must Part"

The Australian pianist Percy Grainger (1882-1961) left this world a better place with his transcription of this 16th century song by the English/Irish composer John Dowland. I can’t really express how much this piece has meant to me since I heard Martin Jones’ recording of it in my early 20s. It’s not a ‘showy’ piece, but it definitely uses the entire piano in a very unique way. This was my best attempt tonight. Here are the original lyrics to this song, first published in 1597:

Now, O now, I needs must part,
Parting though I absent mourn.
Absence can no joy impart:
Joy once fled cannot return.
While I live I needs must love,
Love lives not when Hope is gone.
Now at last Despair doth prove,
Love divided loveth none.

Sad despair doth drive me hence,
This despair unkindness sends.
If that parting be offence,
It is she which then offends.

Dear, when I am from thee gone,
Gone are all my joys at once.
I loved thee and thee alone,
In whose love I joyed once.
And although your sight I leave,
Sight wherein my joys do lie,
Till that death do sense bereave,
Never shall affection die.

Dear if I do not return
Love and I shall die together,
For my absence never mourn,
Whom you might have joyed ever.
Part we must, though now I die.
Die I do to part with you.
Him despair doth cause to lie,
Who both lived and died true.