4010 – Blow Shepherds, Blow

Thomas Morley

Arranged by Roger Harvey

for brass quartet (2 trumpets, horn, trombone)

Difficulty: Easy

Price: £20.00

Programme note:
A Thomas Morley was born in Norwich, son of a brewer, but moved to London in his youth to become a chorister at St Paul's Cathedral. After completeing an Oxford degree he returned to London where he was a contemporary and neighbour of Shakespeare, a composer of some of his songs, and became the most influential musician of his generation. He was organist at St Paul's Cathedral, a leading figure in the development of the English madrigal style from Italian influences and held a monopoly on music publishing. Blow Shepherds Blow was published in 1593 in a collection of 'Canzonets to 3 voices'. This version is adapted for a 4 part ensemble.

Performance note:
Play in a lively but comfortable tempo. The style should, for the most part, be dance-like with light articulation and elegantly shaped phrases. Make sure to begin each phrase precisely and confidently to keep the contrapuntal conversation alive.