Lewis, Paul - Four Anticke Dances for harp

Description

These pieces are evocations of 16th and 17th century dance forms by Paul Lewis, a composer long fascinated by the period. "The melodies are new and no genuine anticke (old English for antique) tunes are used". Pedal harp, 12.5 minutes duration in total. Goodmusic GM152, 2015.

MONSIEUR LEO'S BASSEDANSE was inspired by accounts of masques in the grounds of the royal chateau at Amboise in the Loire Valley, for which Leonardo da Vinci, living nearby, devised sets and costumes. The Bassedanse was popular in France and Italy - a dance in which couples moved in a processional manner.

MASTER WILL'S SARABAND was originally written to accompany a reading of "Music Ho! Music such as charmeth sleep!" from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Petworth House. The Saraband was a slow dance in three-time with the emphasis on the second beat.

MISTRESS NELL'S PAVAN is named after King Charles II's favourite mistress, Nell Gwynn. The Pavan was a slow courtly dance.

MASTER KIT'S BRAWL. Brawl was Shakespeare's Anglicization of the almost unpronounceable French Bransle, a lively dance suited to tavern and village green.