Renaissance Hits for Cello and Keyboard from Terpsichore (Praetorius) Piano - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.847885

These are eleven of the most well-known dances of the Renaissance (grouped in five movements) and are sure to be a welcome addition to the elementary cellist’s repertoire. Some of them can be played in first position and the highest note is the “E” above the bass clef. The cello part does not contain notes shorter than an eighth note (quaver).

By the time Michael Praetorius published his dance collection entitled Terpsichore in 1612, 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 cello and keyboard contain some of the most popular and are based on the original 1612 publication. The music will sound 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. Two Bourées; 2. Two Ballets; 3. Two Courantes; 4. Three Gavottes and 5. Two Voltas.

The audio sample contains (1) Two Bourées and (3) Two Courantes.