The blackbird (John Mundy)
Music files
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Midi |
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Capella |
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- Editor: James Gibb (submitted 2012-03-01). Score information: A4, 5 pages, 52 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: In original key. Transcribed from the facsimile edition, with the Superius set for Soprano, and Medius parts and Contratenor for Alto. Spelling modernised.
General Information
Title: The blackbird
Composer: John Mundy
Number of voices: 5vv Voicing: SAATB
Genre: Secular, Madrigal
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
First published: 1594 in Songs and Psalmes, no. 28
Description: This is the 2nd part of a 2-part madrigal, the 1st part being In midst of woods
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
The blackbird made the sweetest sound,
Whose tunes did far excel,
Full pleasantly and most profound,
Was all things placèd well.
Thy pretty tunes, mine own sweet bird,
Done with so good a grace,
Extols thy name, prefers the same
Abroad in ev’-ry place.
Thy music grave, bedeckèd well
With sundry points of skill,
Bewrays thy knowledge excellent,
Ingrafted in thy will.
My tongue shall speak, my pen shall write
In praise of thee to tell,
The sweetest bird that ever was,
In friendly sort farewell.