This edition was prepared by Brian Russell — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
John quoth Joan
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SSATB · Sabine Cassola
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John quoth Joan by Richard Nicholson — Lyrics
"Joan", quoth John, "when will that be?
Tell me, when wilt thou marry me?
My cow and eke my calf and rent,
My land and all my tenement.
Say, Joan, say, Joan, what wilt thou do?
I cannot come every to woo.
"John", quoth Joan, "`is there such haste?
Look ere you leap, lest you make waste.
If haste you have with me to wed,
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About John quoth Joan
Richard Nicholson’s John quoth Joan is a witty and engaging secular partsong for SSATB voices. The music immediately captures the playful back-and-forth of the text, with lively imitative entries and a bright, energetic mood. The composer’s skill is evident in the way the inner voices respond to and comment on the melodic lines of the sopranos and basses, creating a rich and dynamic texture. The English lyrics depict a charming courtship dialogue where Joan cleverly negotiates terms with John before agreeing to marry him, adding a delightful narrative layer to the musical invention. This piece is ideal for choirs seeking a characterful and musically rewarding Renaissance-style work.
