Learn to Play Recorder

Apollo's Banquet - Selection of Airs and Dances

  • Master refined English airs
  • Develop lyrical English style
  • Execute graceful ornamentation
  • Perfect courtly English idiom

About This Piece

Compiler: John Playford (1623-1686)

Difficulty: Late Intermediate

Notes Used: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (high), D (high), E (high)

Key: C Major

Form: Suite of English Airs

Complete Selection

Graceful English air with courtly refinement.

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Lively dance movement contrasting with lyrical air.

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Notation

Performance Practice Notes

  • Apollo's Banquet: More refined than Dancing Master; courtly style
  • Ornamentation: Add tasteful English graces

Historical Context

"Apollo's Banquet" (1669) was Playford's collection specifically for recorder and violin, containing more refined pieces than the Dancing Master. These airs and dances represent courtly English music suitable for private entertainment.