Madrigal:  Songs

Vocalist Interviews Music Choices Sheet Music Historical Notes

How to Choose Your Madrigal Dinner Music

First, consider who is performing. Have these performers been in madrigals in that past? How well do they read music? What type of music are they used to performing? These are all very important questions. Madrigals can be very stressful if the performers aren't used to Renaissance music or aren’t trained enough for music so difficult.

Another very important factor is what voice parts or instruments are being played. If it’s a vocal choir, are the singers prepared to sing with harmonies? Only use music that the performers can play or sing and the director can teach to the performers. 

If people who perform regularly are performing the madrigal, consider reusing music they have already performed. If new music is preferred, music can be bought at local music stores, through companies, or online. 

For additional information:

Medieval and Renaissance Instruments
http://www.s-hamilton.k12.ia.us/antiqua/instrumt.html
~ Photos with sound and background of real instruments played during the Renaissance

Elizabethan Dance Directions
http://www.shipbrook.com/jeff/playford/contents.html

SCA Minstrel Homepage
http://www.pbm.com/~lindahl/minstrel.html