John Bennet: Weep O Mine Eyes: Mixed Choir a Cappella: Vocal Score

SKU: CF.CM9638

ISBN 9781491157107. UPC: 680160915668. 6.875 x 10.5 inches. Key: A minor. English, English. Original.

Robinson's TBB arrangement of this beloved Bennett madrigal, originally published for four voices in 1599, has been changed from the original key of A minor to the key of D minor, making the ranges and texture more characteristic for TBB voices. A wonderful concert or festival staple piece!.
Weep, O Mine Eyes is a classic madrigal from the Renaissance period (circa 1400-1650). Although John Bennet's exact birth and death dates are unknown, we know that he was English and composed madrigals (non-sacred a cappella pieces) in the late 16th - early 17th centuries. Although, Bennet was not as prolific as other madrigal writers of the time, such as Thomas Morley, Weep, O Mine Eyes has certainly stood the test of time. Originally published in a book of 17 madrigals for four voices in 1599, this arrangement for TBB voices has been changed from the original key of A minor to the key of D minor, making the ranges and texture more characteristic for TBB voices. The original flavor of Bennet's four-part setting has been preserved, including the counterpoint (independent voices) where each voice is of equal importance. In Renaissance style no parts should over sing; the beauty of the melodic lines and text should come through and over singing will take away from the beauty. The EE vowel is sometimes problematic in the word weep. I suggest that you produce the EE vowel with OO on the lips and EE inside the mouth for better blend and to avoid a horizontal spreading of the vowel. Enjoy this wonderful madrigal!.
Weep, O Mine Eyes is a classic madrigal from the Renaissance period (circa 1400-1650). Although John Bennet's exact birth and death dates are unknown, we know that he was English and composed madrigals (non-sacred a cappella pieces) in the late 16th - early 17th centuries. Although, Bennet was not as prolific as other madrigal writers of the time, such as Thomas Morley, Weep, O Mine Eyes has certainly stood the test of time.Originally published in a book of 17 madrigals for four voices in 1599, this arrangement for TBB voices has been changed from the original key of A minor to the key of D minor, making the ranges and texture more characteristic for TBB voices.The original flavor of Bennet's four-part setting has been preserved, including the counterpoint (independent voices) where each voice is of equal importance. In Renaissance style no parts should over sing; the beauty of the melodic lines and text should come through and over singing will take away from the beauty.The EE vowel is sometimes problematic in the word weep. I suggest that you produce the EE vowel with OO on the lips and EE inside the mouth for better blend and to avoid a horizontal spreading of the vowel.Enjoy this wonderful madrigal!