Madrigal:  Scripts

Director Interview Author Interview Script 1      Script 2      Script 3 Script 4      Script 5 Historical Notes

Carolyn Kellert

Madrigal Director

What inspired you to write a script?
The inspiration for a madrigal dinner/concert came directly through my teaching of music. I feel madrigal signing is an extremely important genre within the choral field. I have always felt madrigal literature and its signing style should be an integral part of any choral music curriculum.

How did you decide what to make your madrigal about?
The decision for the plot of the madrigal script is based solely on the literature and the dinner courses. Some madrigal scripts have a story line. In my opinion, some of these plots, which can entail humorous or serious themes, can limit the choices of madrigal literature and the number of cast members. Therefore, I have chosen to proceed with a more generic script. However, the script always includes the following: a processional, a boar’s head carol, a wassail song, and a recessional.

What does it take to direct a madrigal?
The extent of how elaborate one desires the production to be is strictly decided upon the director. However, directors should first study their sources in order to produce a successful and rewarding experience for the student and community support.

How long does it take to plan for a madrigal?
To produce a fine madrigal, I feel it is important to plan yearly. Once the production is over, I always begin taking notes as to how the production can be improved for the following year, such as what additional monies must be raised to further the madrigal’s success regarding costuming, decorations, advertisement, etc. In addition, it is imperative that the director continues to search for quality literature both musically and educationally for the student and entertaining for the listener.

What is involved in planning a madrigal?
The basics of planning of each madrigal dinner concert should include the following: a script, willing performers, costuming, and quality literature. These are the “bare bones’ of planning a madrigal. From this point, the madrigal can become as elaborate or as simple as one desires.

What experience do you have with madrigals or other aspects of madrigals?
I have never had the opportunity to actually perform in a madrigal dinner concert setting; however, in high school and college I was able to perform in madrigal choirs. The a cappella style singing was quite enjoyable. Because of these madrigal choir opportunities, I was introduced to some wonderful madrigal literature and an exciting musical signing style.

Why did you direct a madrigal?
As I stated earlier, I decided to direct a madrigal because I feel this genre is extremely important, vocally sound and should be part of any vocal music education's curriculum.

Who should a madrigal director get involved with their madrigal?
I feel a madrigal director should get as many people as possible involved. I have been extremely fortunate with the madrigal dinners we have produced. I have discovered many people both in the academic and community fields are excited and willing to assist in any aspect of the madrigal production. Typically, every year we include in our credits at least 15 to 20 individuals and businesses for their integral part in the success of the madrigal. Some of these individuals include food service employers, costumers, photographers, numerous faculty members, and various music instructors and friends who have assisted me in all aspects of this great feat.

What does it take to put on a madrigal?
In the years that I have had the privilege of producing a madrigal, I feel patience and the overall attitude of the students is the ultimate necessity in putting on a successful madrigal. I feel very fortunate to be working with such fine quality students. Their excitement and dedication is fabulous to observe. Each year, it becomes evident their goal is to produce the best madrigal dinner concert ever...and what a great attitude!

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