The Scottish Bransle

Date:
Late 16th century

Description:
The Scottish Bransle (also spelled branle or brawl) is a Renaissance dance tune included in Thoinot Arbeau’s Orchésographie (1589), a dance manual that describes popular dances of the time along with their music and choreography. Despite its name, the Scottish Bransle is not of Scottish origin but was inspired by French interpretations of Scottish musical style.

Discussion:
Bransles were group dances performed in a circle or line, often involving simple steps suitable for social gatherings. The Scottish Bransle is in duple time and features a repeating structure that aligns with the basic stepping pattern described by Arbeau. The tune is catchy and energetic, making it a favourite in early dance and music circles.

This bransle often accompanies reenactments and historical dance workshops and is commonly arranged for recorders, strings, or mixed consorts. It is also widely used in SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) and early music performances.

Composer:
Traditional, as collected by Thoinot Arbeau

Arranged by:
Various modern arrangers; frequently adapted for recorder consort, viols, and mixed ensembles

Sheet Music:
Available in editions of Orchésographie and in Renaissance dance collections
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf or musescore file

Parts:
Typically arranged in three or four parts for recorders, viols, or mixed instruments

Type:
Renaissance dance (branle)

Language:
Instrumental

Ranges:

• Soprano recorder: C5–G6
• Alto recorder: F4–D6
• Tenor recorder: C4–A5
• Bass recorder: F3–D5

Advice for beginners:
A perfect piece for early ensemble players. The rhythmic pattern is repetitive and easy to grasp. Concentrate on maintaining a steady tempo and clean articulation. It’s a fun and accessible dance to play and learn in a group setting.

Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference.

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