English Madrigal School

By Crusader1307

A short lived ''School'' established in Medieval England in the 1560s – Madrigal was a form of A Cappella (or non instrument accompanied) singing, which was popular throughout this Period in Europe as well. Sung solo, in later cases as many as six singers – using different octaves, would augment each other in a particular song. It is thought that the first such ''School'' in England was established by Italian Madrigals. Formal gatherings of Madrigals was first seen in 1580 in London, England. Although not formal ''brick and wood'' establishment was created, most would met in private rooms hired to meet and practice.

Poems too could be turned into Madrigal works. Popular in Royal Courts and related gatherings, Madrigals charged either a modest fee for their craft, or were ''put up'' by their Employer Room and Board), as it were. Even later, with the slow demise of Madrigal singing – Lutes or other forms of stringed instruments were added. Comparatively, Madrigal was the ''Pop Music'' of it's Era. The style would fade from use for other forms of Music in the late 1630s.