Description

John Playford (1623 – 1686/7) was a composer and publisher, best remembered for his collection of English dances in The English Dancing Master 1651. This arrangement takes two of those tunes – Indian Queen and Nonesuch – and creates a flexible arrangement for Flute 1, Lute 2 / Descant Recorder, Clarinet in C / Bb, Violin, Accordion / Piano / Guitar and Bass. The parts can be re-assigned to cater for the available resources and the basis of the arrangements the melody and chords, both contained in the Accordion part.

These are rather stately dances and, if preferred, the Bass part could be played con arco rather than the indicated pizzicato.

It is eminently suitable as a concert item, an interlude or as an Ensemble performance for all of the GCSE Examination Boards, as long as any restrictions regarding doubling are pbserved.