The Oxford Book of English Madrigals

The Oxford Book of English Madrigals was edited by Philip Ledger, and published in 1978 by the Oxford University Press. It gave words and full music for some 60 of the madrigals and songs of the English Madrigal School.

The following authors were represented (number of pieces in brackets).

Thomas Bateson (1) Those sweet delightful lilies

John Bennet (2) All creatures now; Weep, O mine eyes

William Byrd (3) Lullaby, my sweet little baby; This sweet and merry month of May; Though Amaryllis dance

Michael Cavendish (1) Come, gentle swains

Michael East (3) Poor is the life; Quick, quick, away, dispatch!; (*No haste, but good!)

John Farmer (2) Fair nymphs, I heard one telling; Fair Phyllis I saw

Giles Farnaby (1) Consture my meaning

Orlando Gibbons (6) Ah, dear heart; Dainty fine bird; Oh that the learned poets; The silver swan; Trust not too much, fair youth; What is our life?

Thomas Greaves (1) Come away. sweet love.

George Kirbye (1) See what a maze of error.

Thomas Morley (10) April is in my mistress' face; Fyer, fyer!; Hard by a crystal fountain; I love, alas, I love thee; Leave, alas, this tormenting; My bonny lass she smileth; Now is the month of maying; Sing we and chant it; Though Philomela lost her love; Whither away so fast.

Robert Ramsey (1) Sleep, fleshly birth

Thomas Tomkins (5) Adieu, ye city-prisoning towers; Music divine; Oh yes, has any found a lad?; See, see the shepherds' queen; Too much I once lamented.

Thomas Vautor (2) Mother, I will have a husband; Sweet Suffolk owl.

John Ward (2) Come sable night; Out from the vale.

Thomas Weelkes (11) As Vesta was; Come, sirrah Jack, ho!; Hark, all ye lovely saints; O care, thou wilt despatch me; (*Hence care, thou art too cruel); Since Robin Hood; Sing we at pleasure; Strike it up, tabor; Thule, the period of cosmography; (*The Andalusian merchant); Thus sings my dearest jewel.

John Wilbye (8) Adieu, sweet Amaryllis; Draw on, sweet night; Flora gave me fairest flowers; Lady, when I behold; O what shall I do; Sweet honey-sucking bees; (*Yet, sweet, take heed); Weep, weep, mine eyes.

(*) = second parts

38 of the selection were then recorded in 1979 by Pro Cantione Antiqua under Ledger.

See also