The Delightful Companion - 16 Selected Pieces

Master English Baroque divisions
Develop virtuosic English style
Execute complex diminutions
Perfect advanced English technique

About This Piece

Compiler: Henry Playford (1657-1706/7)

Difficulty: Late Intermediate

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

Key: F Major

Form: Variations and Divisions

Selected Pieces

English ground bass with virtuosic variations.

Performance Practice Notes

Divisions: English term for variations/diminutions
Virtuosity: Display technical facility with musical taste

Historical Context

"The Delightful Companion" (1686) was Henry Playford's instruction book for recorder, containing advanced pieces demonstrating English division technique - the art of improvising variations on grounds and popular tunes.

Performance Goal: Demonstrate virtuosic English division technique. This represents advanced English Baroque recorder playing.