Composer

:

John Bennet

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1614

Average_duration

:

1:02

"Round About in a Fair Ring" is a madrigal composed by John Bennet, an English composer of the late Renaissance period. The piece was likely composed in the early 1600s, although the exact date is unknown. It was first published in 1599 in a collection of madrigals called "The Triumphs of Oriana," which was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I. The piece is written for five voices, and is in the form of a madrigal, which was a popular secular vocal genre in the Renaissance period. The text of the piece is a poem by an unknown author, which describes a group of maidens dancing in a circle. The music is lively and rhythmic, with a strong sense of forward motion and a lively, dance-like quality. The piece is divided into several movements, each of which has its own distinct character and mood. The first movement is a lively and energetic introduction, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The third movement is a lively dance, with a strong sense of rhythm and a playful, almost mischievous quality. The fourth movement is more introspective, with a slower tempo and a more melancholy mood. The final movement is a lively and energetic conclusion, which brings the piece to a rousing close. Overall, "Round About in a Fair Ring" is a lively and engaging piece of music, which showcases Bennet's skill as a composer of madrigals. Its lively rhythms and playful melodies make it a popular choice for choral groups and vocal ensembles, and it remains a beloved piece of Renaissance music to this day.

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