Little Jazz Madrigals

Description

SATB and piano (optional bass and drum kit).

This dynamic collection presents four jazzy settings of favorite madrigals by Thomas Morley, John Bennet, and Orlando Gibbons. The first, 'Sing we and chant it', is a relaxed jazz waltz with a compelling melody, and singers will especially revel in the rich harmonies of the expressive 'Weep, O mine eyes' setting that follows. 'Learned Poets' has a bossa nova feel with a strong rhythmic groove and characterful syncopations. The urgent rolling tempo of the fourth movement captures the text's intensity and titular call of 'Fire, fire!', also expressed by a walking bassline that continually drives towards the work's emphatic conclusion. The stylistic piano part may be played as written or serve as a guide, and a bass and drum kit part is available separately for trio accompaniment.