Renaissance Dances for theSmall Harp includes 21 dances fromlute, vilhuela and other instrumental consorts of the period. The dances are typically associated with thecountry from which they originated. Mostdances are court dances, but some were strictly for listening entertainment. The arrangements are appropriate for a smalllever harp with 1 octave below middle C and tuned to Eb or C. Songsin both tunings are noted with an * in Contents. The songs are very accessible and appropriatefor mid-beginner to intermediate players with limited or easy lever changes.

By the time MichaelPraetorius published his extensive dance collection entitled Terpsichore (terp-SIH-cory)in 1612, he was one of the most famous musicians in Germany. This Bouréeis a well-known and lively dance and sure to add some sparkle to any concertevent. This piece is arranged for virtually any combination of conventionalwind instruments and percussion, with optional keyboard part.

In this series, Renaissance Hits for Wind Instruments, someof the most well-known dances from Terpsichore are included. They are allattractive pieces and are sure to be popular at any concerts or end-of-semesterevents. They are fairly easy to play too. The flexible arrangement makes themplayable by all sorts of non-standard ensembles.The keyboard part allows you to use them as solos or duets for mixed instruments.

This publication consists of a score showing the four-partensemble, keyboard and percussion parts. There are separate parts in varioustranspositions. The optional keyboard part is intended as a guide and whenpossible the keyboard player should improvise around the part and chords shown.A piano sounds distinctly out of place in this music and a digital or acousticharpsichord sounds more authentic. Most electronic keyboards have a harpsichordoption.

The percussion instruments used are similar to those foundin elementary school music rooms and usually include a small bass drum orhand-held drum, clave or small headless tambourine. Two players are usuallyrequired and the parts can be interpreted quite freely. Dance music is intendedto be fun, and we hope that this arrangement brings you just that.