This edition was prepared by Leonardo Lollini — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
About the maypole
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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3 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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About the maypole by Thomas Morley — Lyrics
1. About the maypole new, with glee and merriment,
While as the bagpipe tooted it,
Thirsis and Cloris fine together footed it.
Fa la la.
And to the wanton instrument,
They went to and fro (both) and finely flaunted it
And then they met again and thus they chanted it
Fa la la.
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About About the maypole
Thomas Morley's About the maypole is a vibrant example of secular English madrigal writing, suitable for a large choir in various combinations of SSATB, SSTTB, or SSAAB. The music captures the joyous spirit of a May Day celebration, with the text describing dancers Thirsus and Cloris moving to the sound of the bagpipe. The interplay of the voices likely mirrors the lively activity and the communal merriment of the scene, including the nymphs and shepherds who gather to watch. The characteristic 'Fa la la' refrains add to the song's infectious energy and celebratory atmosphere.
