madrigals

[Renaissancefan98]

I suspect many of us aren't into madrigals, but I figured I wouldn't know unless I asked. Is anyone here into madrigals, or does anyone have any favorites?

[keltic63]

I did a few in college. I don't get to do those kinds of things with my elementary students.

[Daniel]

Love'em. Did a good deal of them in HS and college. Wish I had the opportunity to do them more. They are the means by which a great many singers hone their 'reading music' chops.

From here one delves into the Motets! And Palestrina! Great stuff!

[Renaissancefan98]

We have a couple of families who come over periodically for music nights and we do bluegrass, folk music, hymns, Broadway, AND madrigals into the wee hours. Whats cool is that all of these families have adolescent children who participate with as much or more enthusiasm as the adults. It is very cool.

One of our favs is "the Silver Swan" and our far and away favorite among the motets is "When David Heard that Absolom was slain" Wow. Talk about a tear jerker!


Well here is a madrigal,Translated from "Olde English,to 21st century English."

The Agincourt Carol Anoynomous 15th Century.

Our king went forth to Normandy,
With grace and might of chivalry;
Ther God for him wrought marvelously,
Wherefore England may call, and cry
Deo gracias: Deo gracias Anglia redde pro victoria.

He set a siege, the sooth for to say,
To Harfleur town with royal array;
That town he won, and made a fray,
That France shall rue till Domesday.
Deo gracias: Deo gracias Anglia redde pro victoria.

Then went our king, with all his host,
Through France for all the French boast;
He spared no dread of least, nor most,
Till he came to Agincourt coast.
Deo gracias: Deo gracias Anglia redde pro victoria.

Then for sooth that knight comely
In Agincourt field he fought manly
Through grace of God most mighty
He had both the field, and the victory
Deo gracias: Deo gracias Anglia redde pro victoria.

There dukes, and earls, lord and baron,
Were taken, and slain, and that well soon,
And some were led in to London
With joy, and mirth, and great renown.
Deo gracias: Deo gracias Anglia redde pro victoria.

Now gracious God he save our king,
His people, and all his well willing,
Give him good life, and good ending,
That we with mirth may safely sing
Deo gracias: Deo gracias Anglia redde pro victoria.