Date:
1609 (published in The First Set of Madrigals)
Description:
“Fyre, Fyre!” is a lively and dramatic English madrigal by Thomas Morley, a leading composer of the Elizabethan era. Known for its rapid tempo and vivid word painting, the piece captures the chaos and desperation of a lover burning with passion. It’s famous for its use of rhythmic contrasts and repetition of the exclamation “Fyre!” to create a humorous yet intense effect.
Discussion:
This madrigal is a prime example of the “madrigal comedy” style—works that portray theatrical scenes through music, often with witty or exaggerated emotional content. Morley’s text setting and vocal interplay mimic the disarray of someone overwhelmed by love, using syncopation, quick entrances, and vocal echoing. The piece is not just fun but also a showcase of ensemble precision and dramatic interpretation.
Composer:
Thomas Morley (c. 1557–1602)
Arranged by:
Originally for unaccompanied five-part choir (SSATB)
Modern arrangements include:
- SATB reduction
- Versions with keyboard reduction for rehearsal
Sheet Music:
Available in The Oxford Book of English Madrigals, CPDL, and various Renaissance madrigal anthologies
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file.
Parts:
- Soprano I
- Soprano II
- Alto
- Tenor
- Bass
Type:
English Madrigal / Secular Vocal Ensemble Music
Language:
Early Modern English
Ranges (typical SATB adaptation):
- Soprano: D4 – A5
- Alto: G3 – E5
- Tenor: C3 – A4
- Bass: F2 – D4
Advice for beginners:
This madrigal is rhythmically challenging and requires tight ensemble coordination. Focus on diction, especially the repeated “Fyre!” to keep it crisp and urgent. Work slowly on entrances and syncopated sections to maintain clarity. It’s best suited for intermediate to advanced ensembles who can manage overlapping vocal lines and agile pacing.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, soprano, alto, tenor 1, tenor 2, bass