Date:
Published 1609 (in Pammelia)
Description:
“O my love” is a light-hearted English round (catch or canon) from the early 17th century, featured in Thomas Ravenscroft’s Pammelia, the first known collection of rounds and canons in English. It belongs to a popular tradition of convivial and often humorous part-singing intended for domestic entertainment rather than formal performance.
Discussion:
Like many of Ravenscroft’s rounds, “O my love” uses repetition, simple harmonies, and a catchy melody to invite participation. These pieces were typically sung socially, and often improvised in performance by groups of singers. The theme is affectionately comic or teasing, consistent with the playful tone of many rounds from the period.
As with much of Ravenscroft’s output, this round would have been accessible to non-professional singers and may have been performed in taverns, homes, or informal gatherings.
Composer:
Thomas Ravenscroft (c. 1582–c. 1635)
Arranged by:
Original setting in Pammelia for unaccompanied voices; modern editions maintain the original form, sometimes with instrumental accompaniment or keyboard support for rehearsal
Sheet Music:
Available in editions of Pammelia, as well as modern collections of early English rounds and catches
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Typically written for 3 voices in canon
Type:
Round (catch/canon)
Language:
Early Modern English
Ranges:
Generally within an octave, suitable for all voice types
Ideal for unison singing before layering in canon form
Advice for beginners:
Start by singing the melody in unison, then layer the voices in canon. Ensure steady tempo and rhythmic clarity, as the simplicity of the lines requires clean entries and exits. Emphasise the humour and spirit of the piece while maintaining blend.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. mid