A satyr once did run away

John Ward’s SATB madrigal A satyr once did run away is a secular setting of an English text exploring the folly of irrational fear. The poem tells of a satyr who flees from the sound of his own horn, terrified of something he does not understand. Ward’s music vividly portrays this theme of self-inflicted panic, with the vocal parts often tumbling over each other in a humorous depiction of the satyr’s panicked flight and bewildered state. This work would be a delightful and engaging choice for a choir looking for spirited Renaissance part-music that combines textual wit with musical characterisation. Its clear SATB voicing makes it accessible for many ensembles.