Learn to Play Recorder

Engels Nachtegaeltje - Advanced Variations

  • Execute virtuosic ornamental divisions
  • Control breathing across long variation sets

Composer: Jacob van Eyck (c. 1590-1657)

Source: Der Fluyten Lust-hof (1644-1656)

Form: Theme with multiple virtuosic variations (diminutions)

Title translation: "The English Nightingale"

Theme: Engels Nachtegaeltje

Tempo: ♩ = 72-80.

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Variation 1: First Division

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Variation 2: Running Divisions

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Variation 3: Virtuosic Display

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Technical Challenges

  • Mark breath points that do not interrupt the running divisions
  • Keep the theme's note shapes audible inside each variation

Performance Goal: The divisions should sound like spontaneous improvisation, with every sixteenth and triplet speaking cleanly and no audible gasps for breath.