This lively trio is a parody of Josquin des Prez's frottola, 'El Grillo' ('The Cricket'). Familiarity with the original music will further the enjoyment of this instrumental variant. A couple of bars of double tonguing on repeated notes is required of the upper two parts. The Prince Consort plays on the accompanying recording. Duration: 2:15
-- Anthony St. Pierre
“El Grillo” (“The Cricket”) is a fun and lighthearted 4-part a capella vocal tune that was one of Josquin des Prez’ most popular works, first published in 1505. This new parody for AAT recorders remains true in spirit to the opening grand phrase, though with new harmonies, and then departs on its own. The music stays within the comfortable ranges of the instruments and is accessible to intermediate players without much technical effort - just a couple tricky bits involving grace notes and double-tonguing (in another nod to the Josquin) keep the humor and give the players some good morsels to enjoy. As the composer suggests, a visit to the Josquin original in any of its myriad arrangements would be a helpful step toward fuller amusement with this parody. Be sure to check out St. Pierre's other parodies of popular pieces from the late Medieval and early Renaissance, “Quam pulcra es” and “Mille regretz”.