How many singers would sing a Madrigal for 5 voices in Elizabethan times?
The basics are : A madrigal for 5 voices means just that. 5 singers. Most madrigals were performed at small recitals, most likely in the homes of wealthy patrons of the Arts. Sometimes they might be used in a way similar as an opening band would be today for a much larger public gathering or display. They were secular rather than religious performances like hymns or gregorian chants. Madrigals are performed a cappella. (no instrumental accompaniment) I looked at wikipedia to see if madrigals maybe had 5 vocal parts, but maybe multiple singers of each part. As far as I can tell, it was strictly one part one voice. I guess you could call Barbershop quartet songs “madrigals for 4 voices” LOL here’s the wiki page http://en.wikipedia.
