Composer

:

English Anonymous

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:47

"Sumer is icumen in" is a medieval English round composed by an anonymous composer in the 13th century. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the mid-13th century. The piece is considered one of the earliest examples of polyphonic music in English. The premiere of "Sumer is icumen in" is also unknown, but it is believed to have been performed in a monastic setting. The piece was likely used as a song for the celebration of the arrival of summer, and it is still performed today in various settings. The piece is written in Middle English and consists of six voices singing in a round. The lyrics describe the arrival of summer and the joy that it brings. The melody is simple and repetitive, with each voice entering at different times to create a complex polyphonic texture. The piece is divided into two main sections, with the first section consisting of the main melody and the second section featuring a contrasting melody. The contrasting melody is sung by two of the voices while the other four continue to sing the main melody. One of the most notable characteristics of "Sumer is icumen in" is its use of a rota or round. The round is a musical form in which each voice enters at different times, creating a continuous loop of music. The use of a round in "Sumer is icumen in" is particularly effective in creating a sense of celebration and joy. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of harmony. The six voices sing in harmony throughout the piece, creating a rich and complex sound. The use of harmony was a relatively new development in medieval music, and "Sumer is icumen in" is one of the earliest examples of this technique in English music. Overall, "Sumer is icumen in" is a significant piece of medieval music that showcases the development of polyphonic music in England. Its use of a round and harmony make it a unique and memorable piece that is still performed and enjoyed today.

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