This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
Preview
0
0
4 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
A Little Pretty Bonny Lass by John Farmer — Lyrics
A little pretty bonny lass was walking
In midst of May before the sun ’gan rise.
I took her by the hand and fell to talking
Read full lyrics
About A Little Pretty Bonny Lass
John Farmer's madrigal, A Little Pretty Bonny Lass, is a delightful example of secular part-music from the late Renaissance. Scored for SATB voices, this English-language setting captures the playful spirit of its text. The lyrics describe a charming encounter where the narrator attempts to woo a young woman who playfully resists his advances. Farmer's music vividly portrays this lighthearted pursuit, using the interplay of the four vocal lines to express the witty dialogue and gentle teasing between the characters. The composer's skill in crafting engaging vocal textures makes this a lively and characterful addition to any madrigal collection.
