Date:
1608 (published in Scherzi Musicali, Venice)
Description:
“Contrapunto Bestiale alla Mente” is a witty and inventive madrigal by Adriano Banchieri, an Italian composer, theorist, and organist. The piece is a humorous parody of learned counterpoint, featuring animal sounds and character voices (such as the cat, dog, cuckoo, owl, and donkey) singing a nonsensical yet musically clever piece of fugal imitation. It’s a classic example of early Baroque musical humor and theatricality.
Discussion:
This madrigal is part of Banchieri’s series of madrigal comedies, where he fuses high-level musical technique with dramatic and humorous performance. “Contrapunto Bestiale” satirizes the complexity of Renaissance polyphony by applying it to comical animal voices and sounds. It works especially well in performance when singers act out the animal characters through voice and gesture. While based on solid counterpoint, the piece is playful, absurd, and endlessly entertaining for both singers and audience.
Composer:
Adriano Banchieri (1568–1634)
Arranged by:
Original arrangement by Banchieri for SATB or SSATB
Modern editions adapted for:
- SATB vocal ensemble
- Voice and continuo
- Vocal ensemble with optional instruments (e.g., harpsichord, viols)
Sheet Music:
Available from CPDL, IMSLP, and early music publishers (Oxford, Hal Leonard, etc.)
The arrangement we use is available in the Big Lochac Snogbook (page 22).
Parts:
- SATB or SSATB vocal ensemble
- Optional continuo or keyboard reduction
- Can be performed a cappella or with light continuo accompaniment
Type:
Comic Madrigal / Madrigal Comedy
Language:
Italian (with onomatopoeic interjections)
Ranges:
- Soprano: D4 – A5
- Alto: G3 – D5
- Tenor: C3 – G4
- Bass: F2 – E4
(SSATB versions may feature a second soprano and tighter voicing)
Advice for beginners:
While musically straightforward, this piece demands strong ensemble coordination and comic timing. Perfect for workshops, light concert closers, or madrigal evenings. Have fun with character voices—exaggerate animal sounds but keep rhythmic precision. Balance humor with musical polish for best effect.
Sound Files: