La Caccia d'Amore

Date:
1602

Description:
La Caccia d’Amore is a lively dance from Cesare Negri’s Le Gratie d’Amore, a notable Italian dance manual from the early 17th century. The title translates as The Hunt of Love, and the piece combines elegance with playful energy, characteristic of the Italian Renaissance courtly dance tradition.

Discussion:
This piece is typically performed instrumentally, often using a small ensemble of period instruments such as recorder, lute, viols, and percussion. Its name and structure suggest it may have been intended to accompany a choreographed allegorical pursuit or flirtatious dance. It offers a chance to explore dynamic contrasts and spirited rhythms.

Composer:
Cesare Negri

Arranged by:
[Your group’s arranger name or leave blank if not applicable]

Sheet Music:
Available via CPDL, IMSLP, and in early music collections that feature Renaissance dance music.
The arrangement we use is available here as a  pdf or musescore file.

Parts:
Instrumental ensemble (flexible instrumentation, typically 3–5 parts)

Type:
Renaissance dance

Language:
Instrumental

Ranges:
Moderate ranges for recorders, strings, and plucked instruments; adaptable for mixed ensembles

Advice for beginners:
Keep the tempo light and dance-like. Attention to articulation and phrasing helps bring out the rhythmic vitality. It’s an excellent introduction to Renaissance Italian dance repertoire, especially for instrumentalists learning period style.

Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, soprano 1, soprano 2, alto, tenor, bass

• Dance