The renaissance English composer William Byrd (1543-1623) wrote a set of twelve variations entitled the Carman's Whistle, though whether this is a song or an actual whistle by carmen is unknown.

The Carman's Whistle is certainly a rather dull melody. Byrd, consequently, does not set it to a fixed harmony, but varies it from variation to variation. The resulting set of variations, rather than being monotonous, is varied and expressive. From the cheerful and rather brash variation two to the quite poignant variations seven, Byrd manages to wring from a dull melody a remarkable set of variations.

The Carman's Whistle was one of the most popular works by Byrd, appearing in seven printings. It is also the first to be revived, appearing in the third volume of Burney's History in 1789, and was commonly in publication after that.

© All Music Guide

Portions of Content Provided by All Music Guide.
© 2008 All Media Guide, LLC. All Music Guide is a registered trademark of All Media Guide, LLC.