MADRIGALS—WILBYE'S "SWEET HONEY-SUCKING BEES."
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
Sia,—As an old member of the Madrigal Society, I was gratified by your notice of our last meeting, and your opinion of the music which it is the object of the Society to perpetuate. If we are called upon to produce the most perfect specimens of vocal w. icing which England has produced, they must assuredly be found among the works of GIBBONS, NV E, MORLEY, and their contemporaries ; and it is a proof of the good taste of the most eminent composers of the present day, that they have, during the season which has just closed, frequently attended our meetings, and joined in the performance of the madrigals of those celebrated writers.
Of these, one of the most popular at the present day is the " Sweet honey. sucking bees" of WILBYE. Looking among some old French poetry, a few days since, I found the lines to which our English bard was indebted for his version. Perhaps you can find a corner for them in the SPECTATOR I am, Sir, your obedient servant, London, July 23, 1829.
MAMMALIAN.
Previous page
