In music, a villanella (plural villanelle — not to be confused with the French poetic form villanelle) is a form of light Italian secular vocal music which originated in Italy just before the middle of the 16th century. It first appeared in Naples, and influenced the later canzonetta, and from there also influenced the madrigal.
The subject matter is generally rustic, comic, and often satirical; frequently the mannerisms of art music, such as the madrigal, are a subject of parody. The rhyme scheme of the verse in the earlier Neapolitan forms of the villanelle is usually abR abR abR ccR. The villanelle became one of the most popular forms of song in Italy around mid-century.
The music of the early villanella (known as the canzone villanesca) is invariably for three unaccompanied voices. The first composers of villanellas were the Neapolitans Giovanni Domenico da Nola and Giovan Tomaso di Maio; later composers of villanellas, no longer from Naples, included Adrian Willaert, Luca Marenzio, Adriano Banchieri, Orlande de Lassus, Eva Dell’Acqua and others.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villanella
This sound very exciting. I am a Bass- Baritone with many years of choral experience. Bach – Elgar 1970s and 1990s, John Laing Singers 2002-2012, Central Presbyterian church choir 1996-2011, Ensemble Lyrica 2012-2013, Brott Festival choir 2012, 2013, Auditioned for and accepted for Opera Hamilton chorus.
I am keenly interested in auditioning for your new endeavor and am available any time on Saturday the 21st of September.
My musical tastes are eclectic but I have a passion for all forms of 15th -17th century music.
Best regards and Bon chance.
Sam Hogeterp
I Also find this idea exciting! Unfortunately I would not be able to audition, as I already have loyalty to 2 other long established choirs in Hamilton namely Mohawk College Community Choir (Previously Mohawk College Singers) and the Bach Elgar Choir. Both of these now meet on a Tuesday evening! Although obviously I am not free to join your new choir I am also concerned that you are limiting yourself for accessing some of the best and experienced voices in Hamilton by eliminating those who sing in those choirs. Have you considered a different evening for rehearsing? There s also an active choir in Burlington who meet on a Tuesday!
Good luck in your new endeavor
Franky Kauppinen