"Rehearsal."
The white-powdered wig is not just for show. Among the many activities I do but don't generally discuss here are a few that require me to be fairly familiar with the body of English choral music, both sacred and secular. Unfortunately my most adept trebles grew up and went to college. "April..." is another often-performed work, along with, "Since Robin Hood, Maid Marian, and Little John." There are several inexpensive compendia of those works. A wonderful reference recording is the Kings' Singers' "Madrigal History Tour."
I've always considered "Now is the month of Maying" an early example of lyric censorship. In my not-so-serious opinion, the offensive lyrics were replaced by nonsense syllables, but the likely original intent can be gleaned from context.
Now is the month of Maying,
When merry lads are playing.
[Fa la la la la etc.]
Each with his bonny lass
Upon the greeny grass.
[Fa la la la la etc.]
The mental picture begins to emerge of what activities might have been discussed in the lyrics replaced by "Fa la la." Unfortunately this story lacks impact when written; it must be told and sung in order to appreciate its full glory.
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