The Dancing Master - Selection 1

Master English country dance style
Develop lively dance character
Execute clear phrasing
Perfect English folk idiom

About This Piece

Compiler: John Playford (1623-1686)

Difficulty: Late Intermediate

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

Key: D Major

Form: English Country Dance

Complete Dance

Lively English country dance with clear 8-bar phrases.

Contrasting section with variation.

Performance Practice Notes

Dance tempo: ♩ = 110, lively but not rushed
Clear phrases: 8-bar structure must be clear
Repeat structure: Each section repeats

Historical Context

John Playford's "The Dancing Master" (1651) was the most important collection of English country dances, going through 18 editions. These dances were performed at country gatherings and represent English folk tradition at its finest.

Performance Goal: Play with English country dance vitality and clear phrasing. This represents authentic English folk tradition.