John Wilbye: Draw On Sweet Night

Featuring

Robert Hollingworth
I Fagiolini
John Wilbye

Did you know?

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Wilbye's madrigals are noted for their constant stream of invention, judicious union of words with music, unexpected harmonies, thrilling textures, and capacity to develop musical ideas.

Recording & Production

This album is the first full recording of John Wilbye's madrigals since the 1980s, aiming to inspire people to sing them again.

Interpretation

I Fagiolini, the performing group, focused on bringing the text to life by turning every diphthong and ensuring clarity of tuning and vocal timbre, while making the sense of the words clear.

Composer Biography

John Wilbye remained in the employ of Sir Thomas and Lady Elizabeth Kytson for most of his life, receiving gifts including the tenancy of a prosperous sheep farm.

Composer Biography

John Wilbye, the composer, published his first set of English madrigals in 1598 at the age of 24, followed by a second set 11 years later.

Composition History

Wilbye's early madrigals were influenced by the 'madrigal craze' in London, fueled by musicians like Nicholas Yonge and Thomas Morley from St Paul's Cathedral.

Compositional Technique

Wilbye's madrigals, particularly from his 1609 collection, were explicitly intended to be 'apt both for voyals and voyces', meaning they could be performed by voices or viols.