Madam Sosilia Alman

Date:
Late 16th century

Description:
Madam Cecilia’s Alman, alternatively named Madam Sosilia’s Alman, is a lively Renaissance dance piece, belonging to the family of Almain or Alman dances. This particular piece is named after Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music, a common reference in Renaissance music, especially when dedicated to notable figures or occasions. The Alman is a slow or moderate-paced dance in duple time, often used in social gatherings and courtly settings. Madam Cecilia’s Alman is a bright, spirited composition that captures the grace and elegance of the time.

Discussion:
The Alman is characterised by its stately and dignified rhythm, and Madam Cecilia’s Alman follows this tradition with its simple, repeating melodic lines. It was often included in dance suites or performed as a standalone instrumental piece. The style of the Alman was adopted across many European courts, but it retains a distinctive English Renaissance flavour in its melodic structure. This piece, like many in the Renaissance period, was designed for ensemble performance and was commonly played on instruments such as lutes, viols, and recorders. The dance form itself is often performed with a gentle bounce and moderate tempo.

Composer:
Anonymous (often attributed to English composers or composers of the Elizabethan period)

Arranged by:
This piece has been arranged for a variety of early music ensembles, including lute consort, recorder ensembles, and keyboard arrangements.
The arrangement we use is by Joseph Casazza

Sheet Music:
Available in various early music anthologies and collections, including those dedicated to English Renaissance dance music.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf or musescore file

Parts:
Typically arranged for a 4-part ensemble (SATB) or for solo instrument with accompaniment. It can also be found in collections for lute or viol consort.

Type:
Renaissance instrumental dance (Alman / Almain)

Language:
Instrumental (no lyrics)

Ranges:
The range of the melody is relatively moderate, making it accessible for most Renaissance instruments.

Advice for beginners:
Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and maintaining smooth phrasing. The Alman rhythm should feel lively and consistent, without rushing or dragging. For ensemble players, it’s important to listen and balance the parts, especially if you are in a group with differing instruments. Beginners should concentrate on articulation and clean entrances, as the repetitive nature of the piece makes it ideal for practicing coordination and musical unity.

Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference.

• Dance