Summer is iccumen in is believed to be the oldest example of part-music in existence. The original manuscript was written down by John of Fornsete, a Monk at Reading Monastery, in about 1226. It is now in the British Museum. It is a round for 3 soprano or alto voices, with optional tenor and bass parts. This version uses a wind ensemble in place of voices.
Summer is a-coming in, loudly sing cuckoo,
Groweth seed, and bloweth mead, and spring the woods anew.
Sing Cuckoo...
Bullock starteth, buck now verteth, merry, sing cuckoo.
Cuckoo, cuckoo, well singst thou cuckoo,
Nor cease thou never now.
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