Sumer is i-cumen in

Sumer is i-cumen in

The famous MSS of Sumer is i-cumen in (discovered in the walls of Reading Abbey although probably written in Oxford and dating from circa 1240) demonstrates the techniques of English rota or rondellus (singing 'rounds' or 'multi-part' songs).

The work is essentially a canon (or round) for several voices whilst another voice repeats a short motif known as the 'pes' or what might now be called an ostinato.

Sumer is i-cumen in illustrates the traditional English sound very well with its rich harmonic texture.

Translation of text from Middle English:

Summer is coming in, loudly sings the cuckoo, cuckoo, cuckoo….
The seed grows; the meadow blossoms, and the woods a liven anew.
The ewe bleats after the lamb; the cow lows after the calf;
The bull leaps; the goat capers; merrily sing cuckoo!
Well sing you, cuckoo–don't ever stop now.
Sing cuckoo, now….