Sumer Is Icumen In

Anonymous

First listen

Listen once without writing. What do you notice?

Listen closely

1 PULSEDoes the song have a clear steady pulse?

Sentence stemThe pulse feels ___ because ___.

Vocabulary
  • steady
  • gentle
  • lively
  • the voices keep moving
2 PITCHWhich voice enters high and which stays low?

Sentence stemThe ___ voice sounds ___ than the ___.

Vocabulary
  • first
  • later
  • higher
  • lower
3 TEXTUREWhat changes as more singers enter?

Sentence stemAt first ___. Then ___.

Vocabulary
  • one voice sings
  • more voices enter
  • the texture thickens
  • the parts overlap
4 STRUCTUREHow does a round work in this performance?

Sentence stemEach singer begins ___.

Vocabulary
  • the same tune
  • at a different time
  • after another singer
  • from the start
5 TIMBREHow do the voices blend?

Sentence stemTogether the voices sound ___.

Vocabulary
  • bright
  • warm
  • clear
  • layered

How does this piece make you feel?

There is no right or wrong answer. Which words match your response?

calmexcitedhopefulcuriousjoyfulpowerfulpeacefultensedreamybravethoughtfulenergeticmysteriouscomfortedrestlessproudsadsurprisedupliftedfocused

Music through time

c. 1250 · Medieval vocal round

Explore the full timeline →
  1. Medieval500–1400
  2. Baroque1600–1750
  3. Classical1750–1820
  4. Romantic1820–1900
  5. 20th century1900–2000
  6. Contemporary2000–present