Chording to the Dance Masters is a selection of dance tunes that were collected originally between about 1500 and 1620. Printing made many of these tunes popular throughout Europe during these times, some of them composed by the printer/publishers themselves, but many more of them existed previously as rustic dance tunes or popular chansons. The works were originally published to be played by three to five instrumentalists, with no particular instruments specified. They suited consorts or ?choirs? of instruments that were depicted in the illustrations of Agricola, Mersenne and most notably Praetorius and are now preserved in museums around the world.

Many editions exist in the 3, 4 or 5 parts as originally published, and these are an absolute joy to perform from, where the interweaving parts create interesting harmonies that demonstrate the skills of these renaissance composer/arranger/publishers. Playing with modern reproductions of the early instruments will recreate textures and sounds unique to this period. However, not everyone is lucky enough to either own these instruments or else have contact with others with whom they could form ensembles. This book aims to widen the experience out to those who would like to play these tunes on their own or with the accompaniment of a guitar, keyboard or other available chordal instrument. Fake books abound for those who wish to play Jazz, Folk, Classical and Popular music where the melody is annotated with chords so that players can access these tunes in their own way. As far as I am aware, this has not often been done for the player who wishes to busk their way through music of the Renaissance period.

I have attempted to include all the chords implied by the polyphonic parts of the original publications, simply because it is in the transitions of the harmonies under the melodies where the genius of the original arranger/publisher resides. Those who go on to explore the original versions may look forward to the way in which each line presents the player with intrinsically beautiful counter melodies.

At first, the rapidity of chord changing can be a bit daunting, so I have marked out what I consider to be the essential chords for accompaniment in boxes. Playing just these will provide adequate accompaniment, whilst leaving the more adventurous scope to enhance their performance by referencing some of the other chords. You can hear the chording arrangements together with the original 3, 4 or 5 part versions of all 44 pieces on a YouTube playlist which has been made as a companion to this volume at

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYRWH2nycMkMoIoEYEMVPa_EXY6NVDpNS

As well as the solo or player in a duo, this book would also be of value for someone who is used to reading chords rather than melody lines wishing to join in with a renaissance consort. The selection I have chosen represents quite a few of the ?standards? that have become regularly played since the revival of renaissance music in the late 1960s. It is hoped that should this volume prove popular, companion volumes with all the parts provided for the same pieces could make essential repertoire for the budding renaissance dance consorts of the future.

Exquisite and historical arrangements of early music for harp. Easy to read with many historical notes and performance suggestions. Because of the notes on the composers, sources and history, this book could also be used for an interesting presentation of early music. Very fulfilling for harpists knowledgeable in historical music, and also makes for well rounded performances. Sometimes early music produces a change in the atmosphere creating a fine ambiance for many an occasion.

England & Scotland:
The Canaries: Straloch Lute MS (c.1627-29), A Scots Tune: Jane Pickeringe Lute Book (c.1616-1650), Come Again, and
Walsingham: John Dowland (1563-1626), Why stays the bridegroom?: Ben Jonson?s Haddington Masque Alfonso Ferrabosco (1608)

Ensemble for 3 harps: Browning Madame: Deuteromelia, Thomas Ravenscroft (1609)

France: Tant que vivray: Claudin de Sermisy (1490-1562), Washerwoman?s Branle: Orchesography, Thoinot Arbeau (1589), Pease Branle: Orchesography, Thoinot Arbeau (1589), Hermit?s Branle: Orchesography, Thoinot Arbeau (1589), Branle d?Ecosse: Orchesography, Thoinot Arbeau (1589)

Italy & the Low Countries: Pavane Ferrareze: Premier Livre de Danseries, Pierre Phalèse (1571),Galliarde Ferrareze: Premier Livre de Danseries, Pierre Phalèse (1571), Quando nascette Ninno: Neopolitan traditional, Pavane: Si par souffrir: Danserye, Tielman Susato (1551), Bergamasca: Bernardo Gianoncelli (1650)

Germany & Spain: La Canarie: Anon., Terpsichore, Michael Praetorius (1612), Bransle de la Torche: Anon., Terpsichore, Michael Praetorius (1612), Canción del Emperador: Mille regretz (Josquin)-Luis de Narváez (1546), Zarambeques:Luz y Norte Musical, L.R. de Ribayaz (1677)

Ensemble for 3 harps: Zarabandas: Luz y Norte Musical, L.R. de Ribayaz (1677)

Medieval and Renaissance Airs, Songs and Dances. The left hand uses open harmonies and single notes.

Table of Contents:

Medieval

Alle, psallite, Alleluya Anonymous (England, 13th c.)
Cuncti simus Libre Vermell (Spain, 14th c.)
Dansse Real Anonymous (France, 13th c.)
Edi be thu, Heven-Queene Anonymous (England, 13th c.)
Kalenda Maya Raimbaut de Vaqueiras (France, 12th c.)
Non sofre - CSM #159 Cantigas de Santa Maria (Spain, 13th c.)
Ondas do mar de Vigo - Martin Codax (Spain, 13th c.)
Ondas do mar de Vigo - Estampie ? Therese Honey
Salterello ? Anonymouns (Italy, 14th c.)
Santa Maria amar CMS #7 - Cantigas de Santa Maria (Spain, 13th c.)
Santa Maria, strella do dia CMS #100 - Cantigas de Santa Maria (Spain, 13th c.)
Stella splendens ? Libre Vermell (Spain, 14th c.)


Renaissance
Branle de Cheveaux Thoinot Arbeau (France, 1589)
Branle d?Escosse Thoinot Arbeau (France, 1589)
Branle de la Torche Michael Praetorius (Germany, 1612)
Complaint John Dowland (England, 16th c.)
Jhon Come Kisse Me Noue Anon. (Scotland, 17th c.)
Joy to the Personne of My Love Skene Manuscript (Scotland, 17th c.)
Ladie Laiton?s Alman John Dowland (England, 16th c.)
L?espagnoletta Francisque Caroubel (France, 16th c.)
Nonesuch Playford Collection (England, 17th c.)
Mr. Dowland?s Midnight John Dowland (England, 16th c.)
Round Battle Galliard John Dowland (England, 16th c.)