Question

In "The Cricket," Josquin des Prez uses changes in rhythm, texture, and text-setting to illustrate different concepts suggested by the poem. Reread the B section of the song, which features less word-painting than the A section. What words or ideas in the B section could Josquin also have chosen to paint musically? Why do you think Josquin chose not to? How might you illustrate them if you were the composer?

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

1. He could have addressed the idea that the cricket is resistant to the adversities that may arise in the midst of his singing. This is because even in the midst of dangers the cricket continues to sing in search of love, managing to survive for a long time, without being found.

2. He probably chose not to open up this idea, because it will add a sense of danger and sadness, in a poem that presents the persistence and beauty in singing to love.

3. If I were the author, I would delude this idea related to the difficulty of finding love, making it necessary to resist and resilience, in addition to persistence.