It Was a Lover and His Lass: SATB Choral Octavo

$2.25 USD

It Was a Lover and His Lass: SATB Choral Octavo

Name: It Was a Lover and His Lass: SATB Choral Octavo
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-OCT02594
Price: 2.25 USD
Availability: InStock

By Michael Larkin

Level: Moderate

Item: 00-OCT02594

Need it now?

Buy Digital Version

$2.25

Shipped

One moment…

Based on the well-known text by Shakespeare, this delightful contemporary madrigal is quick, rhythmic, light and fun to sing. The excellent voice leading makes the work very accessible, 'with a hey nonino.' Part of A Shakespeare Trilogy, it's a delightful work for large or small ensemble.

Don't just read it, hear it, play along with it, and watch your students grow with it. In MakeMusic Cloud, It Was a Lover and His Lass: SATB Choral Octavo comes alive with professional accompaniment, adjustable tempo, and built-in practice tools that turn solo practice into real progress.

Open in the Player

Jump straight in and assign it today.

Start Your Free Trial

Open this title and explore the full library in minutes.

No sample audio found.

No sample videos found.

Series: Alfred Archive Edition: Belwin Festival Series

Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 8

UPC: 029156141832

SKU: 00-OCT02594

More about this title

About the Composer: Michael Larkin

Michael Larkin has composed over 300 works for chorus, voice, piano, and orchestra, all published by major American music houses. His catalog spans choral literature, vocal music, and instrumental compositions that have become staples in rehearsal rooms and on concert stages across the country.

For nearly three decades, Larkin shaped the vocal program at the Music School of Delaware as chair of the Vocal/Choral Department and distinguished voice teacher. Beyond the classroom, he has maintained active roles as director of music ministry at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Wilmington, founder and music director of the New Ark Chorale, and conductor of the Brandywine Pops Orchestra. He frequently appears as a baritone soloist, guest conductor, and clinician at music festivals.

Show moreShow less

Why we love this

This setting captures the infectious joy of Shakespeare's text without sacrificing musicianship. Larkin's voice leading is transparent enough that even developing choirs can execute it cleanly, yet the rhythmic vitality and contemporary harmonic palette keep it fresh and engaging for more experienced singers.

What to expect

Quick, rhythmic energy propels this work forward with the charm of a Renaissance madrigal reimagined for contemporary singers. The text springs to life through light textures and clever part-writing, creating moments of harmonic surprise that keep both singers and listeners delighted.

Who it's for

Intermediate choral groups seeking repertoire that feels sophisticated without demanding virtuosity. The piece works equally well for high school choirs, college chamber ensembles, and community choruses looking to program secular madrigals that engage audiences with their wit and musicality.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the 'hey nonino' refrain as a moment of rhythmic release; let the lightness of the text inform your tempo and articulation choices.
Pay attention to the voice leading across parts to clarify where independent melodic lines emerge from the harmonic texture.
Balance the madrigal's playful character against clear diction of the Shakespeare text; neither should overshadow the other.

How to use it

This octavo shines as an opening work on a concert or as a palate-cleanser between weightier selections. If you're programming Larkin's full Shakespeare Trilogy, this piece sets the lighter tone and pairs beautifully with madrigal-style programming or a concert exploring Shakespearean texts in music.