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January 30, 2006
Of Singing and Song
Of Singing and Song; a Treatise by William Byrd, 1588
Reasons briefly set down by the author, to perswade every one to learne to sing.
First it is a Knowledge easely taught, and quickly learned where there is a good Master, and an apt scoller.
2. The exercise of singing is delightfull to Nature and good to preserve the health of Mankind.
3. It doth strengthen all the parts of the brest, and doth open the pipes.
4. It is a singular good remedie for a stuttering and stammering in the speech.
5. It is the best meanes to procure a perfect pronunciation and to make a good orator.
6. It is the onely way to know where Nature hath bestowed the benefit of a good voyce: which guift is so rare as there is not one among a thousand that hath it: and in many that excellent guift is lost, because they want Art to expresse Nature.
7. There is not any Musicke of Instruments whatsoever, comparable to that which is made by voyce, where the voyces are good, and the same well sorted and ordered.
8. The better the voyce is, the meter it is to honour and serve God therewith: and the voyce is chiefly to be employed to that end.
Since singing is so good a thing
I wish that all would learne to sing.
from program notes, “Early Music on a Winter’s Night�
Waltham Abbey Singers
January 29, 2006
St. Mark’s Catholic Church, St. Paul, MN
Posted by hgroteva at January 30, 2006 11:47 AM | Choral Music