" 0, Christnzas is the season." A Madrigal, composed by
Alphonso Matthey. This clever composition-dedicated to the Madrigal Society of Man- chester-is not, strictly speaking, a madrigal. It belongs to the class of part-btiflaAR, or " Fa-las," imported from Italy, and imitated by Morley, Bayne and other English musicians of the Elizabethan age. They wore originally called " Balletti," from which our word " ballad " is evidently derived; and, being intended to be danced and sung at the same time, their melody, unlike that of the madrigal proper, is rhythmical, and their harmony plain and simple. These lively little pieces are always used, at our madrigal societies, to wind up the evening after the more elaborate performances, and hence have come to be loosely comprehended under the general name of madrigaL Mr. Matthey has produced a very happy imita- tion of these quaint old ditties. It is in their form and style, but free, me- lodious, and spirited, with plain yet rich and varied four-part harmony It is quite the thing for a festive Christmas party, sitting round the " Yule log," and seasoning mirth with music.
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