Date:
1609
Description:
“I Pray You Good Mother” is a charming English song by Thomas Ravenscroft, included in his Deuteromelia (1609). This piece is a three-part round (catch) and is a good example of the playful and conversational nature of English madrigals and catches from the period. The song has a catchy, repetitive structure that invites group singing.
Discussion:
As with many of Ravenscroft’s works, “I Pray You Good Mother” is designed to be light-hearted and engaging, making it well-suited for both performance and informal singing. The lyrics are somewhat humorous, with a sense of dialogue between two voices, which adds to its charm. The song is part of Ravenscroft’s wider body of work, which often features simple yet appealing melodies and structures that invite participation.
Composer:
Thomas Ravenscroft (c. 1588–c. 1635)
Arranged by:
Original composition; modern arrangements for vocal ensembles, choirs, and smaller groups are available.
Sheet Music:
Available in collections of Ravenscroft’s works, such as Deuteromelia (1609) or in modern anthologies of English Renaissance music.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Typically arranged for three voices (Soprano, Alto, Tenor), though it can be adapted for other vocal combinations.
Type:
Catch / Round
Language:
English
Ranges:
Soprano, Alto, Tenor (adaptable to various vocal settings).
Advice for beginners:
Due to the song’s repetitive structure, focus on maintaining rhythmic precision and clear entrances for each voice. The conversational nature of the piece means that articulation and dynamic variation can help bring out the playfulness in the music.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. mid