Discover Exciting Insights from the ARS January 2022 Chapter Meeting

Discover Exciting Insights from the ARS January 2022 Chapter Meeting

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Twelfth Night: An Elizabethan Celebration
   1. What is Twelfth Night?
   2. Twelfth Night Celebrations in Tudor and Elizabethan England
   3. The Influence of Shakespeare
3. Music in Shakespeare's Plays
   1. The Role of Music in Shakespeare's Plays
   2. Songs and Music in Comedies
   3. Characters and Music in Shakespeare's Plays
   4. Composers of Music for Shakespeare's Plays
4. A Closer Look at Elizabethan Music: A Journey Through Time
   1. Robert Johnson: Lutenist and Composer
   2. Thomas Ravencroft: Editor and Composer of folk Music
   3. John Wilson: Successor of Robert Johnson
   4. John Whitfield: The Elusive Composer
   5. Thomas Morley: Composer, Theorist, and Keyboard Player
5. Playing the Songs: Sheet Music and Play-Along Sessions
   1. Where the Bee Sucks: An Ariel's Tune
   2. Three Country Dances: A Taste of Idyllic Setting
   3. Take, O Take Those Lips Away: Love and Music
   4. Sweet Oliver: A Hunting Song
   5. The Syncopace: Counting and Dancing
   6. The Cansone: A Homophonic Delight
6. Conclusion

Article:

Introduction

Welcome to the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of the American Recorder Society's January meeting! Today, We Are here to celebrate Twelfth Night, a special occasion in Tudor and Elizabethan England. Twelfth Night is an evening of festivities and merrymaking that takes place on January 5th, the twelfth day of Christmas. This celebration includes music, dancing, plays, and general revelry. In this article, we will explore the significance of Twelfth Night and its association with Elizabethan England, with a particular focus on the role of music in Shakespeare's plays.

Twelfth Night: An Elizabethan Celebration

What is Twelfth Night?

Twelfth Night, also known as the Feast of Epiphany, is the evening of January 5th and marks the twelfth day of Christmas. In Tudor and Elizabethan England, this night was celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. It was a time for feasting, singing, dancing, and merry-making. Twelfth Night was considered a more significant celebration than Christmas day itself, with the festivities lasting well into the night.

Twelfth Night Celebrations in Tudor and Elizabethan England

During the time of Tudor and Elizabethan England, Twelfth Night held immense cultural importance. It was a time for people to come together, indulge in special food, and engage in exuberant celebrations. The celebrations would often include plays, music, and general revelry. The plays performed during Twelfth Night were often comedic in nature, with William Shakespeare's works taking center stage. His plays brought joy, laughter, and entertainment to the masses, making him an integral part of the Twelfth Night celebrations.

The Influence of Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, born in 1564, is a legendary figure in the world of literature and theater. He is credited with writing a vast number of plays, including comedies, tragedies, and historical dramas. Shakespeare's works have stood the test of time and Continue to be performed and appreciated to this day. His plays were a prominent feature of Twelfth Night celebrations in Tudor and Elizabethan England, bringing laughter, music, and merriment to the festivities.

Music in Shakespeare's Plays

The Role of Music in Shakespeare's Plays

Music played a significant role in Shakespeare's plays. His works are filled with musical opportunities, and the stage directions often include instructions for songs, dances, and background music. In Tudor and Stuart drama, it was customary to include at least one song in all but the most serious plays. Music was used to move the action forward, set the emotional mood, and enhance the overall theatrical experience.

Songs and Music in Comedies

Shakespeare's comedies were particularly rich in songs and music. Songs were often used to address the major characters or comment on the unfolding plot. The songs were usually performed by minor characters, such as servants, clowns, fools, and rogues. These characters added depth and humor to the plays, with the songs serving as a medium for expressing their perspectives and advancing the narrative.

Characters and Music in Shakespeare's Plays

In Shakespeare's plays, various character archetypes engaged in singing, dancing, and making music. The servants, clowns, fools, rogues, and minor characters played a pivotal role in the musical moments of the plays. They often sang songs addressing the major characters, offering insights or highlighting their problems or character flaws. Music became a powerful tool for communication, serving as a means for both storytelling and character development.

Composers of Music for Shakespeare's Plays

During the time of Shakespeare, the company performing the play would often Compose the music for the songs. This ensured that the music complemented the text and enhanced the overall theatrical experience. Among the notable composers of music for Shakespeare's plays were Robert Johnson, Thomas Ravencroft, John Wilson, John Whitfield, and Thomas Morley. These talented individuals contributed to the musical richness of Shakespeare's works and brought the characters and stories to life.

A Closer Look at Elizabethan Music: A Journey Through Time

Robert Johnson: Lutenist and Composer

Robert Johnson, a renowned lutenist and composer, was one of the prominent figures in Elizabethan England's music scene. He was associated with the King's Men, the theater company with which Shakespeare was closely linked. Johnson's compositions, such as "Where the Bee Sucks" from "The Tempest," showcased his mastery of the lute and his ability to Create enchanting melodies that captured the essence of Shakespeare's plays.

Thomas Ravencroft: Editor and Composer of Folk Music

Thomas Ravencroft was a music theorist, editor, and composer who played a significant role in preserving and promoting folk music during the Elizabethan era. He collected and arranged folk tunes, much like the musicologists of the 20th century. Ravencroft's contributions to the musical landscape of the time are evident in pieces like "Three Country Dances," which were likely used as background or scene change music in Shakespeare's plays.

John Wilson: Successor of Robert Johnson

John Wilson, a lutenist and composer, succeeded Robert Johnson as the principal composer for the King's Men. He earned a doctorate in music from Oxford and was known for his chamber music compositions. Wilson's work, such as "Take, O Take Those Lips Away," added depth and emotion to Shakespeare's plays, highlighting the moments of love, longing, and vulnerability.

John Whitfield: The Elusive Composer

John Whitfield, although comparatively less well-documented, was a composer who contributed to the musical landscape of Elizabethan England. While information about his life and works is scarce, it is believed that he composed music for Shakespeare's plays, adding an extra layer of refinement and musicality to the performances.

Thomas Morley: Composer, Theorist, and Keyboard Player

Thomas Morley was a noteworthy composer, theorist, and keyboard player who played a vital role in the Elizabethan music scene. As a contemporary of Shakespeare, Morley's compositions bridged the gap between the worlds of theater and music. His works, such as the joyful "Cansone," exemplified the homophonic style prevalent in the period, where all voices moved together, creating harmonious chords.

By exploring the works of these composers, we gain Insight into the intricate interplay between music and theater during the Elizabethan era, further enhancing our understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's plays.

Playing the Songs: Sheet Music and Play-Along Sessions

To truly appreciate the music of Shakespeare's time, it's essential to engage in the act of playing these beautiful compositions. Whether You're a recorder player, a lutenist, or a keyboard player, the wealth of sheet music available allows you to recreate the melodies from centuries past. Through play-along sessions, you can immerse yourself in the experience of performing these Timeless compositions, bringing them to life once again.

For the curious and passionate, these play-along sessions provide an opportunity to explore the intricacies of the music, experiment with different voices and instruments, and uncover the nuances that make each piece unique. So grab your preferred instrument, join the band, and let the music transport you to the Elizabethan world of Shakespearean theater.

Conclusion

The music of Elizabethan England, particularly the compositions associated with Shakespeare's plays, offers a glimpse into a vibrant and rich artistic era. Through the celebration of Twelfth Night, we have delved into the significance of music in Tudor and Elizabethan England, explored the role of music in Shakespeare's plays, and discovered the brilliant composers who brought these works to life. By engaging in the act of playing these compositions, we continue the tradition of celebrating and embracing the music that has stood the test of time. As we immerse ourselves in the melodies and harmonies of the Elizabethan era, we become part of a legacy that intertwines music, theater, and the human experience.

Highlights:

• Twelfth Night celebrations were a significant event in Tudor and Elizabethan England, characterized by music, dancing, and merrymaking.
• Shakespeare's plays played a central role in Twelfth Night celebrations, with music being an integral part of the theatrical experience.
• Music in Shakespeare's plays served to move the action forward, set emotional moods, and enhance the storytelling.
• Composers such as Robert Johnson, Thomas Ravencroft, John Wilson, John Whitfield, and Thomas Morley contributed to the musical richness of Shakespeare's works.
• Playing the sheet music and engaging in play-along sessions allows us to experience the beauty and complexity of Elizabethan music firsthand.

FAQ:

Q: What is Twelfth Night? A: Twelfth Night is an evening of festivities and merrymaking that takes place on January 5th, the twelfth day of Christmas. It was celebrated with special food, music, dancing, and plays in Tudor and Elizabethan England.

Q: How did music influence Shakespeare's plays? A: Music played a significant role in Shakespeare's plays. It was used to move the action forward, set emotional moods, and enhance the overall theatrical experience. Characters such as servants, clowns, and fools often engaged in singing, dancing, and making music, contributing to the storytelling and character development.

Q: Who were the prominent composers of music for Shakespeare's plays? A: Robert Johnson, Thomas Ravencroft, John Wilson, John Whitfield, and Thomas Morley were among the composers who contributed to the musical richness of Shakespeare's plays. Their compositions added depth, emotion, and entertainment to the performances.

Q: Can I play the music from Shakespeare's plays? A: Yes, there is sheet music and play-along sessions available for those interested in playing the music from Shakespeare's plays. Whether you play the recorder, lute, keyboard, or any other instrument, you can recreate these timeless compositions and immerse yourself in the world of Elizabethan music.

Q: What can I expect from the play-along sessions? A: The play-along sessions allow you to engage in the act of performing the music from Shakespeare's plays. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, you can join in and be part of the band, recreating the melodies and harmonies of the Elizabethan era.

Q: How does the music of Elizabethan England continue to influence us today? A: The music of Elizabethan England, particularly the compositions associated with Shakespeare's plays, continues to captivate and inspire audiences to this day. Its timeless qualities and the inherent beauty of the melodies serve as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and artistic excellence that have stood the test of time.