The Early Music Fiddler complete

Description

The Early Music Fiddler arr by Edward Huws Jones, is a collection which spans four centuries and more than five countries – some vibrant threads from the rich tapestry of early music.

We don’t necessarily think of the violin as an early music instrument but in fact it evolved soon after 1500, during the early years of the musical renaissance, in a form more or less as we know it today. Most of the music in this anthology has some connection with stringed instruments, either the violin itself or one of its forerunners such as the rebec, medieval fiddle or viol. Significantly, all the pieces seem totally at home on the violin / and of course the player’s own vitality and enthusiasm are far more important than historical accuracy.

The arrangements in the The Early Music Fiddler collection can be performed as solos, duets, trios or by larger ensembles. Violin accompaniments for the more advanced player are given. The piano accompaniments can be played on a variety of keyboard instruments. Harpsichord or organ / or similar sounds on an electronic keyboard / work well, particularly in the renaissance pieces. All the earlier, medieval pieces have come down to us as a single melodic line, so the accompaniments have been freely arranged, usually based on ostinati. But the tunes can work just as well with the players adding their own drones and/or percussion. With the later tunes, we know that renaissance musicians loved to improvise variations or ‘divisions’ on well known tunes. Some are suggested here, but performers are always encouraged to create their own!

The Early Music Fiddler contents:

• English Dance
• Kemp’s Jig
• Saltarello
• Helas Madame [Henry VIII]
• La Morisque [Susato, Tylman]
• Pastime With Good Company [attrib. Henry VIII]
• Ach Els’lein, Liebstes Elselein
• L’homme Arme
• Calata
• Estampie Royale
• Watkins’ Ale
• Gaillarde: Mrs Winter’s Jump
• La Bouree [Praetorius, Michael]
• Ronde [Susato, Tylman]
• J’ay Mis Mon Cuer [Dufay, Guillaume]