12013 – Summer Is Icumen In

English 14th Century

Arranged by Roger Harvey for 12 trombones

Difficulty: Medium

Price: £20.00

Programme notes:

This remarkable piece of 14th century counterpoint is unique in that it consists of 6 real parts. No other example of this is known from this era. It is a round in 4 parts plus another repeated phrase in 2 bass parts.

This arrangement sets the actual round within a new framework. The rhythmic introduction is also used as a sort of ritornello and as a countermelody to the original music.

This version was made for and first performed by the trombone choir of Trinity college of Music, London.

Performance notes:

Make the introduction very rhythmic and slightly rustic in character; mark the cross rhythms in the bass.

The theme should always be characterised by an accented crotchet and a lighter, shortish quaver to give a joyful rustic feel.

When the round proper begins, make sure each entry is clearly heard; avoid getting louder as more voices join.

Make sure that the character of the theme is kept in the final verse, in spite of the dynamic. the countermelody can now be a bit gentler, though.