This edition was prepared by Wim Looyestijn — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
El Grillo
Staff Notation • Secular, Madrigals
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6 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
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El Grillo by Josquin des Prez — Lyrics
El grillo è bon cantore
Che tiene longo verso.
Dale beve grillo canta.
Ma non fa como gli altri ocelli
Come li han cantato un poco,
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About El Grillo
Josquin des Prez’s El Grillo is a lighthearted Italian madrigal for four voices (SATB). The music opens with a charming imitative texture, depicting the chirping of a cricket. The composer uses word painting to great effect, illustrating the text’s comparison of the cricket to other birds. While other birds flit from place to place, the cricket remains steadfast, singing only for love, especially when the weather is warm. The piece’s vivacious spirit and skillful interplay of voices make it a delightful example of secular Renaissance part-music.
