What is a aubade?

An aubade is a poetic or musical piece that expresses the theme of dawn or morning, often focusing on the parting of lovers at sunrise. It typically reflects a bittersweet tone, as it captures the tension between the joy of love and the sorrow of separation. Historically, aubades celebrate the beauty of a new day while lamenting the end of a romantic encounter that occurred the night before. This genre has been used by various poets and composers throughout history to convey complex emotions associated with love and farewell.