Playford Dance Tunes

John Playford

John Playford (1623-1687) almost monopolised the business of music publishing in England. His shop was the meeting-place of musical enthusiasts; Samuel Pepys was a frequent customer.  In 1651 He published a collection of English and European dance tunes entitled The English Dancing Master.  The present publisher (Edition Zefiro) has produced a number of volumes based on these.  The volumes vary in that some are designed for 4 instruments (could be recorders, early wind, brass) - they are evocative of their time and very adaptable.  Hence Edition Zefiro has even adapted the tunes for any solo instrument plus chord symbols.  Please take a look.  You'll find links to other forms of the same music including 2 volumes of four part arrangements, volume 1: (68 dances) and volume 2: (82 dances) and one volume containing fifty tunes for solo instrument plus continuo.
Learn more about John Playford ℅ the wonderful Wikipedia.

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