This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Fair nymphs, I heard one telling
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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Fair nymphs, I heard one telling by John Farmer — Lyrics
Fair nymphs, I heard one telling,
to beautify the place,
The fawns are running,
The shepherds their pipes tuning
To show their cunning.
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About Fair nymphs, I heard one telling
John Farmer crafts a charming scene in this SSATBB madrigal. The music opens with a delightful interplay of voices, depicting the pastoral idyll described in the English text. As the nymphs and shepherds gather, the composer paints a vivid sonic picture, with the lambs pausing their grazing, seemingly captivated by the unfolding celebration. The text culminates in a joyous tribute to 'fair Oriana', a common dedication in this genre of secular part-music. Farmer’s skillful writing captures the playful and celebratory mood, making it an engaging work for a discerning choir.
