Premier Bransle de la Guerre/Les Bouffons for Strings (Pierre Phalèse, 1571) String Orchestra - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1900457

Pierre Phalèse (1510-1575) was a Flemish publisher, and his First Book of Dances, an extensive collection of dances in four parts, was published in Leuven in 1571. They are attractive pieces and are sure to be popular at any concerts, public recitals or end-of-semester events. This arrangement is for virtually any string ensemble, and there are parts for violin 1, violin 2, violin 3 (as viola), viola, cello and bass (combined), keyboard and simple percussion. Additional melody parts are provided in treble and bass clefs, and the chords (for optional guitar) are shown in both keyboard and bass parts. In the spirit of the original publication, you can add to the melody line any other C-pitch instruments that happen to be available. Even adding a couple of recorders will enhance the sound. Alternatively, you can do the opposite and create a pleasing contrast by omitting instruments for certain sections. The audio demo will give you an idea of how this might be achieved. The keyboard part is intended as a guide, and when possible, the keyboard player should feel free to improvise around the part and the chords shown. A digital or acoustic harpsichord sounds more authentic than a piano. The optional percussion instruments used are similar to those found in elementary school music rooms and usually include a tambour or handheld drum, antique (finger) cymbals, wood blocks, and a tambourine. Two or three players can be used, and the parts can be interpreted quite freely.