recommended by Barb M., Keyboard and Folk Music Specialist

In 1651, John Playford (1623-1686) published a comprehensive collection of 105 short country dances that were very popular at the time under the title “The English Dancing Master.” The tunes, given as a single melodic line, were followed in each case by a description of the Dance. Playford’s collection was evidently very popular – by about 1728 it had been revised several times and reissued seventeen times under the title “The Dancing Master.” When the eighteenth version was printed, it had expanded to include over a thousand pieces!

This delightful collection of 5 Easy Dances from “The Dancing Master” is at a Level One difficulty for the soprano recorder, and also includes an easy piano accompaniment, plus chords for guitar accompaniment and an easy hand drum part in some cases. A description  of each dance is included. It isn’t easy to find easy recorder music with piano or guitar accompaniment, and if you are a folk dancer or you dance English Country dance, you may already be familiar with one of more of the tunes, and with the steps of the dances!

This little gem of a collection is worth a look for  its use as an easy recorder collection and for the possible use as live music for a dance group! Remember – shop Stanton’s for all your sheet music needs!

About the Author:
Barb M. has worked in the Keyboard Department at Stanton’s since 1981. An active folk musician in the Columbus area, Barb also works with ensembles at her church and plays in the Columbus State Concert Band. In her spare time, Barb loves working with animals and computer games.