His musical career began as Head Chorister at the Cathedral & Parish Church of St Peter Port, Guernsey. He won an Organ Scholarship to Selwyn College, Cambridge and subsequently studied Voice and Continuo at the London Early Music Centre, where his teachers included Emma Kirkby, Roger Norrington and Nigel Rogers.
He took up the harp quite by chance, and in the absence of a modern school of baroque harp-playing, taught himself to play, using period treatises and iconography. He quickly established himself in London, performing and recording with nearly all the leading specialist ensembles: he has made over 100 recordings of music ranging from Troubadour lyrics (with Paul Hillier for ECM) to new music for early harp (John Paul Jones' 'Amores Pasados' with The Harp Consort for DHM) and including two accounts of the Handel Harp Concerto - with The Sixteen, and with Andrew Parrott's Taverner Players.
After six years as harpist and keyboard player with the baroque ensemble Tragicomedia, for whom he created many musical arrangements and concert programmes, most recently a recording of Anna Magdalena Bach's 'Notenbuch', Andrew Lawrence-King formed his own ensemble, THE HARP CONSORT in 1994. Taking its inspiration from the original 17th century 'Consorte' created by Charles I, The Harp Consort is a mixed vocal and instrumental ensemble that brings together world-class soloists in various line-ups, according to the repertoire being performed.
The Harp Consort's combination of detailed historical research with the dramatic spontaneity of improvised performance won them instant critical acclaim. Their debut recording, Ribayaz's 17th century collection of dance music from Spain, Italy, South America and Africa, 'Luz y Norte' forms the basis of a baroque stage show of improvised music and dance. Luz y Norte toured America for the first time in 1996, and will be given at Australia's Brisbane Festival and in the Sydney Opera House in 97.
Andrew Lawrence-King's schedule for performances - solo, with The Harp Consort and as a guest conductor - takes him this season to Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Scandinavia and Japan. The Harp Consort have two US tours as well as a busy recording schedule, turning their attention now also to medieval music. DHM has recently released their second CD, CAROLAN'S HARP: dances, airs and laments by Turlough O'Carolan, "the chief musician of all Ireland".
Farewell
Andrew Lawrence-King Lyrics
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I've come to say goodbye,
Altho' I go, I've got those farewell blues.
Those farewell blues make me yearn,
That parting kiss seems to burn.
Farewell, dearie, Someday I will return.
Dreaming of you is sweet,
Someday again we'll meet.
The lyrics to Andrew Lawrence-King's song "Farewell" capture the bittersweet emotions of saying goodbye to a loved one. The singer notes that sadness manifests in their sighs and that though they must leave, they are plagued by the "farewell blues." As they depart, memories of a parting kiss evoke strong feelings of longing, and the singer pledges to return. Despite the separation, the singer holds onto the hope of a reunion and cherishes sweet dreams of their loved one.
Overall, the song captures the complexity of emotions that come with parting from someone you care for deeply. It acknowledges the pain and sorrow of separation, while also holding onto the idea that love endures and there is hope for the future. The lyrics are beautifully poetic and evocative, and Andrew Lawrence-King's expressive voice brings them to life with a sense of poignancy and emotional depth.
Line by Line Meaning
Sadness just makes me sigh,
The feeling of sadness makes me let out a deep sigh.
I've come to say goodbye,
I am here to bid farewell and depart from you.
Altho' I go, I've got those farewell blues.
Although I am leaving, I am feeling sad about it and have the 'farewell blues'.
Those farewell blues make me yearn,
The sadness I feel about leaving makes me long for what I am leaving behind.
That parting kiss seems to burn.
The memory of the goodbye kiss feels like it is painful and leaves a lasting impression.
Farewell, dearie, Someday I will return.
I am saying goodbye, but I hope to return to you in the future, my dear.
Dreaming of you is sweet,
When I think about you and our time together, it brings me joy and happiness, even though I am leaving.
Someday again we'll meet.
I am confident that we will see each other again one day, though we are saying goodbye for now.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Paul Mares, Leon Rappolo, Elmer Schoebel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind