Renaissance Hits for Bassoon and Keyboard from Terpsichore (Praetorius)

These are eleven of the most well-known dances of the Renaissance set in five movements and selected from the famous collection entitled Terpsichore, published in 1612 by Michael Praetorius. They are sure to be a welcome addition to the elementary bassoon repertoire and make a pleasing performance item at a recital. The bassoon part is in the bass clef throughout and the highest note is usually the D above the bass staff. In a couple of pieces, the next note E is used. By the time Michael Praetorius published his dance collection, he was one of the most famous musicians in Germany. The name is pronounced "terp-SI-cory" and rhymes with the word "hickory". The original publication consisted of 312 dances in four, five and six parts. Although the dances were probably conceived for string ensemble, Praetorius was well aware that in practice they would be played by any instruments that happened to be available. These arrangements for bassoon and keyboard are based on the original 1612 publication. The music sounds more authentic using a harpsichord rather than a piano, or the harpsichord sound of a digital keyboard. The keyboard part may be interpreted quite freely with ornamentation added as appropriate. During the Renaissance, it was common practice to combine separate dances to create something of more substantial duration. A similar practice is used in these arrangements which are as follows: 1. Three Gavottes; 2. Two Ballets; 3. Two Bourees; 4. Two Courantes and 5. Two Voltas.