This edition was prepared by Nikolaus Hold — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Im Maien, Primum
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Im Maien, Primum by Ludwig Senfl — Lyrics
Im meyen, im meyen hört man die hanen kreen,
freu dich du schöns braun megetlein,
hilf mir den habern säen,
bist mir vil lieber dann der knecht,
ich tu dir deine alte recht.
Es seinde zwölf monat im ganzen langen jare,
das sagen uns die weisen ganz und gar für ware,
ein jedes hat sein eigne art,
einer der zert, der ander spart.
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About Im Maien, Primum
Ludwig Senfl's Im Maien, Primum is a spirited German secular partsong for SATB choir. The music opens with a lively texture, immediately establishing a festive mood. The tenor line, often carrying the melody, leads the singers through joyful celebrations of springtime and courtship. The text evokes the natural world and the pleasures of the season, with references to roosters crowing in May and the farmer sowing his oats. It expresses a clear preference for the young woman over a male servant, and a desire for playful intimacy. The piece unfolds with a sense of rustic charm and uninhibited delight, making it a vibrant addition to any Renaissance part-music programme.
