Composer

:

Thomas Weelkes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1608

Average_duration

:

1:26

Thomas Weelkes was an English composer who lived during the Renaissance period. He is known for his madrigals, anthems, and other vocal works. One of his most famous compositions is "Since Robin Hood," a madrigal that was first published in 1608. The madrigal is written for five voices and is in the key of G major. It is a lively and upbeat piece that tells the story of Robin Hood and his band of merry men. The text is in English and is full of puns and wordplay. The premiere of "Since Robin Hood" is not known, but it was likely performed by Weelkes and his choir at the Chapel Royal or at one of the many churches in London where he worked. The piece was published in Weelkes' collection of madrigals, "Madrigals of 5 and 6 Parts," which was printed by Thomas Snodham in 1608. The madrigal is divided into three movements. The first movement is a lively and rhythmic introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with the voices singing in a more homophonic style. The third movement returns to the lively and upbeat style of the first movement, with the voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate way. One of the characteristics of "Since Robin Hood" is its use of word painting. Weelkes uses musical devices to illustrate the text, such as the use of descending scales to represent Robin Hood's arrows flying through the air. The piece also features a number of vocal effects, such as the use of falsetto and the occasional spoken word. Overall, "Since Robin Hood" is a lively and entertaining madrigal that showcases Weelkes' skill as a composer. Its catchy melody and clever wordplay have made it a popular piece among choirs and audiences alike.

More....