Doen Daphne d'over schoone Maeght
- Master Dutch variation form
- Develop improvisatory diminution technique
- Execute complex ornamentation patterns
- Perfect Renaissance-style divisions
About This Piece
Composer: Jacob van Eyck (c. 1590-1657)
Difficulty: Late Intermediate
Notes Used: D, E, F#, G, A, B, C, D (high), E (high), F# (high), G (high)
Key: G Major
Form: Theme and Variations
Fingering Review
Theme - Simple Melody
The beautiful Dutch song melody in its simple form.
Variation 1 - Simple Divisions
Adding eighth note divisions to the melody.
Variation 2 - Rapid Diminutions
More elaborate divisions with sixteenth notes.
Variation 3 - Virtuosic
Complex figuration with rapid scales and arpeggios.
Technical Exercises
Practice transforming simple notes into elaborate divisions.
Develop rapid finger work in G Major.
Performance Practice Notes
- Variation form: Each variation should have distinct character and tempo
- Improvisation: Van Eyck's variations are models for improvisation; create your own
- Articulation: Use varied tonguing patterns to clarify complex diminutions
- Tempo: Theme = ♩ = 90, gradually increase tempo through variations
- Expression: Balance technical display with musical expression
Historical Context
Jacob van Eyck was a blind Dutch carillonneur and recorder virtuoso who created "Der Fluyten Lust-hof" (The Flute's Garden of Delights), published 1644-1656. This monumental collection contains over 140 pieces, all variations on popular melodies of the day. Van Eyck performed these pieces in the streets of Utrecht, where citizens would gather to hear him play. "Doen Daphne d'over schoone Maeght" (When Daphne the fair maiden) is based on a popular Dutch love song. Van Eyck's variations demonstrate Renaissance and early Baroque diminution practice - the art of elaborating simple melodies with increasingly complex figuration. His work represents the high point of solo recorder repertoire before the sonata era.
Performance Goal: Master van Eyck's variation technique, progressing from simple theme through increasingly elaborate divisions. Use each variation to showcase different aspects of technique - from lyrical melody to virtuosic display. Consider creating your own additional variations using van Eyck's techniques as models.
Practice Strategy
- Learn the theme thoroughly before attempting variations
- Practice each variation separately, slowly at first
- Study the progression from simple to complex divisions
- Use variations as models to create your own diminutions
- Record yourself to check clarity in rapid passages
- Study other van Eyck pieces to understand his style