How Merrily We Live: 3-Part Mixed, a cappella Choral Octavo
Music by Michael East / arr. Russell Robinson
Item: 00-PO-0002096
$2.25
Minimum order quantity: 20 copies
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Description
Another well-edited arrangement by Russell Robinson of a light and spirited work from the madrigal repertoire. It's the perfect choice for any SSA or 3-part mixed choir, with or without experience in madrigal singing. May be performed a cappella or with piano doubling the voices. Perfect for developing part singing in today's treble and mixed choirs.
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Additional Details
Series:
Alfred Archive Edition: Alfred Choral Designs
Publisher:
Alfred Music
Page Count:
8
SKU:
00-PO-0002096
More about this title
About the Composer: Michael East
Michael East (1580-1648) was an English composer and organist whose madrigals and sacred works shaped the late Renaissance vocal tradition in England. He served as a lay vicar and later as a minor canon at Durham Cathedral, where he developed the compositional craft that made him one of the most prolific madrigal writers of his era.
East's secular vocal works are marked by lyrical melody, clear text setting, and the kind of musical wit that makes performance rewarding across all skill levels. His madrigals remain central to choral repertoire because they balance accessibility with genuine compositional craftsmanship, offering singers the chance to explore Renaissance counterpoint without sacrificing immediate musical gratification.
Why we love this
Robinson's edition captures the madrigal's essential character while making it genuinely singable for mixed voices and less experienced ensembles. The spirited energy and clear harmonic logic mean your singers feel the shape and direction of every phrase, and the text painting adds personality without requiring extensive rehearsal to reveal it.
What to expect
Bright and buoyant, with the conversational ease of friends sharing a joke. The melodic lines dance together rather than compete, creating moments of unexpected harmonic color that feel both natural and delightful.
Who it's for
This arrangement works for any mixed or treble choir ready to move beyond unison and homophony. Whether you're building part-singing foundation in a high school ensemble or refreshing madrigal technique in an experienced college group, the accessible range and straightforward part-writing make it immediately approachable.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the text as actors would; this madrigal thrives on natural speech rhythm and the interplay between voices echoing the playful sentiment of 'merrily we live.'
- Balance blend over blend; Renaissance counterpoint works best when each line remains audible, so encourage singers to listen across rather than focusing inward.
- Explore optional piano doubling as a rehearsal tool, then consider dropping it for performance to let the a cappella texture breathe and showcase the vocal writing.
How to use it
Pair this with other madrigals or lighter Renaissance fare to create a short thematic set, or use it as a palate cleanser between weightier contemporary or sacred pieces. It's also ideal for competitions and festivals where judges appreciate clean ensemble singing and authentic period style without heavy interpretive demands.
Skills your students will build
- Reading and sustaining independent melodic lines in SAB voicing
- Balancing blend and clarity in three-part counterpoint
- Singing text naturally while maintaining musical shape
- Developing familiarity with Renaissance harmonic language and cadential patterns