Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

17:25

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Birthday Madrigals is a choral work composed by John Rutter, a British composer, conductor, and arranger. The piece was composed in 1995 and premiered on May 6, 1995, at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, England. The work is a collection of five madrigals, each of which is based on a different text related to birthdays. The first movement, "It was a lover and his lass," is a lively and upbeat setting of a text from Shakespeare's play As You Like It. The second movement, "My true love hath my heart," is a more reflective and introspective piece based on a poem by Sir Philip Sidney. The third movement, "Choral Amen," is a short and simple setting of the word "amen" that serves as a transition between the second and fourth movements. The fourth movement, "I danced in the morning," is a joyful and celebratory setting of a text based on a traditional African-American spiritual. The final movement, "Finale: Dashing away with the smoothing iron," is a lively and humorous setting of a traditional English folk song. The overall character of Birthday Madrigals is one of celebration and joy. Rutter's use of lively rhythms, bright harmonies, and playful melodies creates a festive atmosphere that is well-suited to the occasion of a birthday. The work is also notable for its use of a variety of musical styles and influences, including Renaissance polyphony, African-American spirituals, and English folk music. Overall, Birthday Madrigals is a charming and engaging choral work that is well-suited to a wide range of performance settings, from formal concerts to more informal celebrations. Its combination of musical sophistication and accessibility has made it a popular choice among choral groups and audiences alike.

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