#SingTheScore No.1

Monteverdi - Luci serene e chiare

SIGHT-READ DIFFICULTY : 4

The first ever episode of Sing The Score in which Robert analyses how Monteverdi uses word-painting in the score to bring Arlotti's stunning poem to life . 

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TAGS : 17th Century, Italian Madrigal, SSATB, Secular

INCLUDES : Brief poetic analysis, part book scores, word painting

#SingTheScore No.2

Byrd - Miserere Mihi

SIGHT-READ DIFFICULTY : 3

Byrd's captivating sacred motet dissected and brought to life - with historically informed pronunciation - by Robert and i Fagiolini. 

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TAGS : 16th Century, SAATTB, Sacred

INCLUDES : Historical context - not specifically to be sung in the church. Example of composers experimentally using canon. Byrd using a plainchant melody used in compline. Vowel match. Tomkins anecdote. Later 16th century London latin pronunciation.

#SingTheScore No.3

Monteverdi - Longe da te, cor mio

SIGHT-READ DIFFICULTY : 4

The remarkable and lesser-known penultimate madrigal of Monteverdi's Fourth Book explored and contextualised, featuring i Fagiolini's performance from their 2007 film 'The Full Monteverdi'.

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TAGS : 17th Century, Italian Madrigal, Secular, SATTB

INCLUDES : Historical context of Monteverdi's 4th Book of Madrigals. Reinventing the Madrigal. John la Bouchardiere - The Full Monteverdi. G Mixolydian. Poetic reading. Soundworld created by acting singers.

#SingTheScore No.4

Monteverdi - Zefiro torna

SIGHT-READ DIFFICULTY : 5

6 minute-long duet for two tenors, written introduction from Robert. The return of the West Wind. Scherzi Musicali. Ground bass with improvisation.

<< Click here to watch on YouTube >>

TAGS : 17th Century, Italian Madrigal, TT + continuo, Secular

INCLUDES : 6 minute-long duet for two tenors, written introduction from Robert. The return of the West Wind. Scherzi Musicali. Ground bass with improvisation.

#SingTheScore No.5

Tomkins - Was ever wretch

SIGHT-READ DIFFICULTY : 3

Hear Robert explain what he means by a piece which exists as an "Oxymoronic Metaphor for the Contradictions of Love" in one of Tomkins rarer Songs.

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TAGS : 17th Century English Song, SATB, Secular

INCLUDES : Passing notes, provocatively descriptive poetry expressed compositionally, word setting/painting in the music (heaven high, hell low). Greg Skidmore Warning.

#SingTheScore No.6

Monteverdi - Si ch'io vorrei morire

SIGHT-READ DIFFICULTY : 3

Get better acquainted with the intimate pillow talk of the Renaissence with Robert's reflections on this sensual masterpiece from Monteverdi's Fourth book of Madrigals.

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TAGS : 17th Century, Italian Madrigal, SATTB, Secular

INCLUDES : Erotic poetry, renaissance music theory, Greg Skidmore warning, poetic analysis