This edition was prepared by Andreas Stenberg — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A Catch in the Play of the Knights of Malta
Staff Notation • Secular, Canons
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A Catch in the Play of the Knights of Malta by Henry Purcell — Lyrics
I
At the close of the Evening the Watches were set,
the Guards went the Round, and the Tatatato,
Tatatato, Tatatato,
Tatatato, Tatatato,
Tatatatatatatoo was beat.
The Tatatatatatatoo was beat.
II
But now younder Stars appear in the Sky,
And Tararara, Rararara,
Rararara, Rararara,
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About A Catch in the Play of the Knights of Malta
A Catch in the Play of the Knights of Malta is a secular canon by Henry Purcell for three male voices (BBB). The text paints a vivid scene, beginning with the setting of watches and the beating of the tattoo at the close of evening. As stars appear, a different tune is sounded. The mood shifts to celebration, with the singers urging each other to drink away the night until dawn. Purcell's setting captures the convivial and perhaps boisterous spirit of the text, typical of the catch genre which often featured humorous or topical lyrics and intricate vocal interplay.
