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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.

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Contrasting section with variation.

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Notation

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.