Date:Late 16th century (published 1594) Description:April is in my Mistress’ Face is a well-known English madrigal by Thomas Morley, set to a short, evocative text comparing the changing emotions of a lady’s face to the seasons. Despite its brevity, the piece beautifully captures both the elegance and emotional nuance of …
Date:13th century (first known reference c. 1300) Description:Angelus ad Virginem is a medieval Latin carol narrating the Annunciation—when the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will bear the Christ child. Rich in theological imagery and reverent in tone, the carol was widely popular in the Middle Ages and …
Date:Late 15th century (c. 1475–1500) Description:Alas Departynge is Ground of Woo is a poignant English part-song reflecting on sorrow and separation. The text explores the emotional weight of parting, a common theme in late medieval and early Renaissance lyric poetry. The piece embodies the introspective and expressive style of English …
Date:16th century (likely mid-to-late 1500s) Description:And Seest Thou My Cow is a humorous English part-song or catch, noted for its rustic subject matter and playful, slightly bawdy tone. The song pokes fun at rural life, with lyrics centered around the search for a lost cow—possibly a metaphor with cheeky double …
Date:Late 13th to early 14th century (c. 1300) Description:Alle psallite cum luya is a lively Latin motet composed in the medieval Ars Antiqua style. It is a jubilant and rhythmic piece based around the word “Alleluia,” elaborated with tropes in the upper voices while the tenor maintains the repeated chant …
Date:Early 16th century (circa 1500–1520) Description:Ah, come c’est chose belle is a Franco-Flemish chanson that celebrates the beauty and allure of love. The title translates to “Ah, how beautiful a thing it is,” reflecting the Renaissance fascination with love’s joys and complexities. It is elegant and lyrical, with a flowing …
Date:Late 15th century Description:Ah Robin, Gentle Robin is a secular English part-song attributed to William Cornysh. It reflects themes of love and emotional longing, possibly addressed to a friend or confidant. The piece is written in a lyrical, homophonic style typical of the period. Discussion:This song appears in the Fayrfax …
Date:14th century (Trecento period, c. 1350) Description:Amoroso is a short Italian dance from the 14th century, likely a ballata or estampie style instrumental piece. It exemplifies the lively and graceful character of secular dance music in the Italian Trecento, with a flowing melodic line and rhythmic vitality. Discussion:The piece appears …
Date:15th century (circa 1400s) Description:A Babe is Born, all of a Maid is a medieval English Christmas carol celebrating the Nativity of Christ. It combines elements of reverent devotion and joyful celebration. The text reflects the mystery of the Incarnation, focusing on Mary’s purity and the birth of Jesus. Discussion:This …