Though the madrigal form was imported from Italy (where it evolved from the frottola), it was readily embraced by the English at the end of the sixteenth century. These mostly a cappella versions by the best of the English composers (thirty-five in all) have both a scholarly (as analyzed in great detail in the accompanying liner notes), and entertainment value; who better than England's cherished King's Singers to bring them, once again, to life? Whether it's 'Construe My Meaning,' with it's strophic form and chromaticism, or 'Now Is The Month Of Maying,' with it's more typical bipartite structure for four voices, this CD contains a wealth of enjoyment.

Listen to Sing we and chant it in RealAudio.