The Oxford Book of English Madrigals [Paperback]

Philip Ledger (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 22, 1979

This book presents 60 of the very best madrigals for SATB, chosen from the many hundreds of possible candidates. The major composers of the genre are each represented by several madrigals and the lesser figures by one or more.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Educated at King's College, Cambridge, Sir Philip Ledger CBE was Director of Music at King's College, Cambridge from 1974-1982 and Conductor of the Cambridge University Musical Society from 1973-1982. During his years in Cambridge, he directed the Choir of King's College in the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, made an extensive range of recordings and took the Choir to the USA, Australia, and Japan for the first time. He was subsequently Principal of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama from 1982-2001. Since that time Ledger has appeared as a conductor throughout the United Kingdom, North America, and Asia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 404 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; Reprint edition (February 22, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0193436647
• ISBN-13: 978-0193436640
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #921,283 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Singer's Perspective, September 16, 2000

By 

Anne C Rutherford (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Oxford Book of English Madrigals (Paperback)

This is the definitive volume for all singers of 16th and early 17th century English madrigals. Ideal for small groups who want to sing a range of madrigals (both merry and sorrowful) on the hoof without having to juggle separate sheets and volumes. All the favourites are here. The typeface is clear and the A5 format easy to handle. The collection is arranged alphabetically but there is a usful listing by composer for those putting programmes together. Philip Ledger's editing is light of touch and should not offend the purists.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All the "hits" of the 1500-1600's!, March 23, 2000

By 

A. Wiechman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Oxford Book of English Madrigals (Paperback)

What a great source for any madrigal group! This book contains a cappella madrigals of 3, 4, 5 and 6 parts (mostly SATB or SSATB) by the major composers of English madrigals, such as Byrd, Farmer, Gibbons, Morley, Ward, Weelkes & Wilbye. If you sing or study this type of music, you must have this book.

Also check out "English and Italian Renaissance Madrigals" (CD) by the Hilliard Ensemble -- the Oxford book and the English Madrigals CD of this wonderful 2-CD set have 16 songs in common.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great source of songs!, September 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Oxford Book of English Madrigals (Paperback)

If you like singing madrigals, and have at least three friends all of different vocal parts, you are set for some singing fun with this book. It has most of the more popular English madrigals from the late 15th to early 17th century.