English Mad Songs
In the 17th century, English mad songs were a popular form of music that combined elements of poetry, drama, and music to create a powerful emotional experience. These songs were typically written in a highly expressive style, with lyrics that often depicted themes of love, loss, jealousy and madness. Musically, they were characterized by their use of complex harmonies and intricate melodic lines that were designed to convey the dramatic intensity of the lyrics.
Rubens, Peter Paul. "Venus and Adonis." Probably mid-1630s. Oil on canvas. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Some of the most well-known composers of English mad songs during this period were John Eccles, Daniel Purcell, John Weldon and John Blow. Eccles, in particular, was known for his use of unconventional harmonies and for his ability to create a sense of emotional intensity in his music. Eccles' “I burn, my brain consumes to ashes” features highly dramatic lyrics, and equally intense music that describe the passionate feelings of love and longing experienced by the speaker. This innovative combination of speech and song was a new benchmark for dramatic song, and “I burn, my brain consumes to ashes” became a triumphant success overnight, thanks to the combined efforts of playwright Thomas D'Urfey, composer John Eccles, and actress Anne Bracegirdle.
John Eccles’ “I burn, my brain consumes to ashes” from A Collection of Songs published by John Walsh and John Hare (1704).
Overall, English mad songs were an important and influential genre of music during the 17th century, and they continue to be appreciated and performed to this day. With their highly dramatic content and intricate musical structures, they represent a powerful form of musical expression that remains relevant and compelling to modern audiences.
If you're interested in exploring the world of English mad songs during the Baroque period, be sure to check out Anthony Rooley's essay for more information. Additionally, don't forget to visit my YouTube channel where I have curated a playlist of some of the most exciting and energetic English Mad Songs from the Baroque era. And for those who are musically inclined, you can find sheet music for mad songs by John Eccles, Daniel Purcell, John Weldon, and other Baroque composers at my virtual store.
Reference:
Rooley, A. (2007). English Song: Mad Song. Schola Cantorum Basiliensis - Musik-Akademie der Stadt Basel. Retrieved from https://www.forschung.schola-cantorum-basiliensis.ch/dam/jcr:6b43bb09-c94f-4968-8909-60a55d3c58bd/Rooley_English_Song_72dpi.pdf
