Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1608

Average_duration

:

1:31

"Tan ta ra ran tan tant, cryes Mars" is a madrigal composed by Thomas Weelkes, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, around 1600. It is a part of Weelkes' collection of madrigals, which were published in 1608 under the title "Madrigals of 5 and 6 Parts." The piece is a five-part madrigal, which means that it is written for five voices: two sopranos, alto, tenor, and bass. The text of the madrigal is in English and is based on a poem by Sir Philip Sidney, a prominent Elizabethan poet. The poem describes the god of war, Mars, and his violent and destructive nature. The madrigal is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Allegro," and it begins with a lively and rhythmic instrumental introduction. The voices then enter one by one, singing the text in a lively and energetic manner. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation, which gives it a lively and playful feel. The second movement is marked "Adagio," and it is a stark contrast to the first movement. The tempo slows down, and the music becomes more somber and reflective. The voices sing in a more homophonic style, with the melody moving in unison. The text of this movement describes the destructive power of Mars, and the music reflects this with its dark and brooding character. The final movement is marked "Allegro," and it returns to the lively and energetic character of the first movement. The voices sing in a more contrapuntal style, with each voice weaving in and out of the texture. The music is characterized by its use of imitation, with each voice imitating the others in turn. The text of this movement describes the triumph of Mars, and the music reflects this with its triumphant and celebratory character. Overall, "Tan ta ra ran tan tant, cryes Mars" is a lively and energetic madrigal that showcases Weelkes' skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of syncopation, imitation, and homophonic and contrapuntal textures. The text of the madrigal describes the violent and destructive nature of Mars, and the music reflects this with its lively and energetic character.

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