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Music History & Criticism

Medieval Instrumental Dances

by (author) Timothy J. McGee

Publisher
Indiana University Press
Initial publish date
Feb 2014
Category
History & Criticism
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780253333537
    Publish Date
    Feb 2014
    List Price
    $39.00

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Description

In Europe the tradition of secular dance has continued unbroken until the present. In the late Middle Ages it was an important and frequent event—for the nobility a gracious way to entertain guests, for the peasantry a welcome relaxation from the toils of the day. Now back in print, this collection presents compositions that are known or suspected to be instrumental dances from before ca. 1420. The 47 pieces vary in length and style and come from French, Italian, English, and Czech sources. Timothy McGee relates medieval dances to the descriptions found in literary, theoretical, and archival sources and to the depictions in the iconography of the Middle Ages. In a section on instrumental performance practices, he provides information about ornamenting the dances and improvising in a historically appropriate style. This comprehensive edition brings together in one volume a repertory that has been scattered over many years and countries.

About the author

Timothy J. McGee is a professor in the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto.

Timothy J. McGee's profile page