Date:
1609
Description:
“Glad am I” is a three-part round composed by Thomas Ravenscroft. It appears as the 11th piece in his collection Deuteromelia, published in 1609. The piece reflects the social and musical culture of the English Renaissance, where singing in rounds was a popular form of entertainment.
Discussion:
This round exemplifies Ravenscroft’s skill in creating accessible and engaging part songs meant for informal communal singing. The staggered entries and repetitive structure are characteristic of the round form, allowing groups of singers to participate easily. The piece fits well among others in Deuteromelia, including well-known examples like “Three Blind Mice.”
Composer:
Thomas Ravenscroft (c.1588–c.1635)
Arranged by:
Original; some modern adaptations may be arranged for classroom or choral use.
Sheet Music:
Widely available in collections of Ravenscroft’s works and Renaissance rounds.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Three voices in a round (can be sung by any combination of vocalists).
Type:
Round / Catch
Language:
English
Ranges:
Typically suitable for Soprano, Alto, and Tenor voices; can be adjusted to suit different ranges.
Advice for beginners:
Start by learning each part separately, paying close attention to rhythm and articulation. Once comfortable, introduce entries at the proper intervals to experience the full effect of the round. Keep tempo steady to maintain clarity between voices.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. mid