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.

Date:
Early 17th century (first published c. 1612)

Description:
The Lorraine Alman is an instrumental dance piece from the Liber Primus Leviorum Carminum, a collection of lighter, dance-related works from the early 17th century. The Alman is typically performed in a moderate duple time and is characterised by its lively, yet stately rhythm, suitable for courtly dance settings. The piece reflects the fusion of English and continental dance styles of the period, blending the German-originated Alman form with regional influences like those from Lorraine.

Date:
Late 14th century (exact date unknown)

Description:
Ly Bens Distonys is an English medieval dance or song often classified as a ballad or a lieder. The piece is noted for its playful and somewhat humorous treatment of a subject, as well as its repetitive and simple musical structure, characteristic of late medieval English song forms. The title roughly translates to “The Ben’s Distonys” or “Ben’s Troubles,” with “Bens” likely being a reference to a character (possibly an abbreviation or nickname).

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.

Date:
Late 16th to early 17th century (c. 1599–1611)

Description:
“New Alman” is a popular English Renaissance dance tune, most famously associated with John Playford’s later The Dancing Master collections, though earlier manuscript versions exist. The term “Alman” (also spelled “Almain”) refers to a type of stately duple-time dance of German origin, adopted into English courtly and domestic repertoire. This piece is typically instrumental and features a graceful, measured rhythm suitable for courtly dance.

Date:
Late 16th century (likely composed c. 1590s)

Description:
The Queen’s Alman is a well-known example of a Renaissance dance, specifically an alman, which was a popular courtly dance in the late 16th century. The alman is generally a lively, upbeat dance in duple time (4/4), often characterised by its steady rhythm and lively, catchy melodies. This piece is attributed to John Dowland, one of the leading composers of the Renaissance period, known for his contributions to both vocal and instrumental music.

Date:
Late 14th century

Description:
Stella Splendens is a vibrant pilgrim song from the Llibre Vermell de Montserrat, a manuscript compiled circa 1399 at the monastery of Montserrat in Catalonia. The title translates to “Shining Star”, referring to the Virgin Mary, who is praised in the song as a beacon of light guiding pilgrims to her holy shrine.

Discussion:
This piece is one of the most well-known from the Llibre Vermell. It features a catchy, dance-like melody in a lively triple metre, making it ideal for group singing and processions. The song’s structure allows for responsorial or alternated performance and has been interpreted both as a monophonic piece and with added harmonies in modern settings.

Date:
Early 16th century

Description:
The Old Alman is an English folk tune often categorized as an alman, a popular type of dance music during the Renaissance period. It is lively and rhythmic, typically performed in a 4/4 time signature and known for its simple, repeating structure, which was common in dance music of the time.

Discussion:
The tune is attributed to be part of the repertoire in the early 16th century, and though its precise origin is unclear, it appears in several early music collections. Like other almans, The Old Alman was likely performed in both court and informal settings, often as part of a larger suite of dances. The alman was a staple of the Renaissance dance repertoire, and this particular tune was easy to play, making it accessible for both professional and amateur musicians.

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.