New videos

William Byrd – Kyrie from Mass for Four Voices: The opening movement from one of three Masses Byrd composed for voices. At this point in Byrd’s life Catholicism was banned but he still persisted in publishing these beautiful works – an act of musical and personal courage. Scoring ATTB

Videos you from previous weeks….

My consorts library is listed in alphabetical order by composer, with consort pieces first, and duets/trios minus one towards the bottom of the page. Please feel free to explore and do get in touch if you have suggestions for music you’d like me to record in the future.

Consort pieces:

Pieces which are labelled *Easier* are particularly suitable for those who are new to ensemble playing

Johann Albrechtsberger – Organ Fugue in G: A charming fugue arranged from Albrechtsberger’s organ repertoire. Best known today as Beethoven’s harmony and counterpoint teacher, Albrechtsberger was a prolific composer in his own right, with a compositional style which crosses the divide from the Baroque into the fist half of the Classical period. Scoring SATB

Elizabeth Alexander - Contemplative: The centre spread in the autumn 2020 edition of The Recorder Magazine. Full of sustained lines and exquisite harmonies, this gives you a chance to sample its sonorities even if you can’t meet with friends to try it out. You can learn more about Elizabeth and her musical activities here. Scoring SATB

Anonymous – Greensleeves to a Ground: A famous tune by that most prolific of composers, with 18th century divisions in a 21st century arrangement for recorders. Scoring SATBGb *Easier*

Kenneth Alford – March: Colonel Bogey: A new arrangement of this catchy march by Steve Marshall. This should have you tapping your toes in no time, and if you’re brave enough there’s a whizzy sopranino part to keep your fingers supple and nimble. This arrangement has no descant part, but there’s no reason why those who only play descant recorder can’t have a go at the tenor parts, which contain some of the best tunes! Scoring: Sop/AATTBBBGb

J.S. Bach – Rondeau from Orchestral Suite No.2, BWV1067: Bach’s suites are justly loved and admired, but he sadly neglected to use the recorder in them. Here we begin to solve that problem with a new arrangement from his beautiful flute suite. Lots of interest for everyone and a great opportunity for you to develop your Baroque style. Scoring SATB

J.S. Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata no.147: A perennial favourite, which has been played every possible permutation of instruments over the years. This beautiful arrangement, kindly contributed by Christopher Britton, struck me as the perfect way to round off 2021, and hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Scoring SSAATB

J.S. Bach – Three More Chorales: My first ever video was a trio of Bach Chorales. Fifteen months on, my recording techniques have improved so I felt it was time for a new improved set. Simple but exquisite music which is perfect for players of all abilities. These three are part of a set of twelve chorales available in my online shop. Scoring SATB *Easier*

J.S. Bach - Orchestral Suite No.3, BWV1068: Four exquisite dances movements, arranged by R.D.Tennant – two Gavottes, a Bouree and Gigue. Scoring SATB

J.S. Bach - Suscepit Israel and Sicut locutus est from Magnificat BWV243: Two movements from Bach’s 1723 masterpiece. Arranged for the closing session of the Society Recorder Players’ virtual National Festival in April 2021. Scoring SSATBGbCb

J.S. Bach - Three Chorales from the Christmas Oratorio: Three sonorous chorales for the festive season, recorded on location at the beautiful St. Mary’s Church, Chickney. Perfect for all ability levels, whether you’re taking your first steps in ensemble playing or want something straightforward to simply play with a beautiful tone. Scoring SATB *Easier*

J.S. Bach – Esurientes Implevit Bonis from Magnificat, BWV 243: It’s a shame Bach never composed any pieces for recorder consort, but that doesn’t stop us borrowing his music when it suits us! This is one of the loveliest movements from Bach’s Magnificat, beautifully arranged by R.D.Tennent and transposed from the original E major into a much more recorder-friendly G major. Scoring: SATB

J.S. Bach - Contrapunctus I: The starting point for Bach’s crowning masterpiece, The Art of Fugue. Written in 1748, this was one of Bach’s final works and features nineteen fugues which all use one theme as their basis. Scoring SATB (Optional GB)

J.S. Bach - Three Chorales: My first recorder consort video, and something of an experiment - please forgive any glitches! Three very simple Bach Chorales which can be played by recorder players of all abilities. There are no major technical challenges here, but there are some beautiful melodies and these make great warm up pieces. Think of them as an opportunity to work on making a truly gorgeous sound! Scoring: SATB *Easier*

Adriano Banchieri - La Feliciana: A lively Italian Renaissance canzona. As the name suggests, this is a joyful piece in which all the parts share a slice of the action. Scoring SATB

Bela Bartok – Two Hungarian Peasant Songs: A pair of traditional Hungarian folk tunes, collected by Bartók and newly arranged for recorders by Steve Marshall. Steve arranged these specially for me in response to requests for more folk music – specifically from eastern Europe. Full of rhythm and energy, these catchy tunes are not particularly difficult but the speed of no.7 may require a little persistence. If you enjoy them the full set is published by May Hill Edition (edition number MHE10122) and a second set will be available soon. Scoring SAATTB *Easier*

Augustin Bassano – Pavan and Gagliard: I introduced you to the Bassanos, King Henry VIII’s court musicians in a blog post recently so I’m delighted to be able to bring you a Pavan and Gagliard by one of the family. Many thanks to Norrie Williams for generously allowing me to record and share his arrangement with you. Scoring SATTB *Easier*

Ludwig van Beethoven - Entrata from Serenade, Op.25: A charming movement from a piece originally composed for the unlikely combination of flute, violin and viola. Scoring AAT

Elway Bevin – Browning: A creative 16th century interpretation of this famous tune, also often known as The Leaves be Green. Bevin takes the melody line through numerous keys and even uses it in two parts simultaneously in canon. Some rhythmic challenges but worth persevering with. Scoring ATB

William Boyce – Alleluia: A joyful canon by the Master of the King’s Music for nearly a quarter of a century. An excellent opportunity to work on both your double tonguing and finger control. Scoring SATB

William Boyce – Spirituoso: A charmingly spirited movement from Boyce’s Overture No.3, arranged by R.D. Tennant. There’s plenty of interest for all the parts and my accompanying hints and tips video will help you achieve a good Baroque style. Scoring SATB

William Brade – Three Consort Pieces: A trio of Renaissance dances played at eight foot pitch. Using the low recorders makes for a wonderfully mellow tone, but players of descant and treble are equally welcome to play along, adding your own sparkle of colour. Parts in appropriate clefs are provided for all instruments. Scoring TTBGbCb

Anton Bruckner – Offertorium: A charming choral work composed early in Bruckner’s career, which fits a recorder consort perfectly. A gentle and sustained piece which allows you time to enjoy the harmonies and focus on your tone and legato tonguing. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Alan Bullard - Four Lodgers: Originally composed as a centrespread for The Recorder Magazine, these four gems illustrate in music some of the animals you might find around your house. The music is beautifully crafted and very playable! Scoring SATB *Easier*

Dietrich Buxtehude – Kyrie from Missa brevis: A beautiful piece of early Baroque choral repertoire which fits the recorder perfectly. Buxtehude was one of Bach’s musical heroes and he once walked 250 miles to meet him and hear him play the organ! Scoring SSATB *Easier*

William Byrd – Sing Joyfully: An anthem which does exactly as its title suggests. Byrd uses lots of word painting here, so I’ve included the text in the score and parts so you can create a sense of their storytelling in the way you play. There are some tips about how to do this in my accompanying Hints & Tips video. Scoring SSAATB

William Byrd - Fantasia IV à 3: A less familiar Fantasia for viols, arranged for recorders. The wide ranging melodic lines fit best either on C or F fingered recorders and the download folder includes two different versions so you can take your pick. Scoring STGb

William Byrd – The Leaves be Green: An iconic piece of Renaissance consort music, packed full of melodic and rhythmic interest. Based upon the popular melody Browning, this set of 20 variations has lots of cross rhythms to get your teeth into, but the joy of a playalong video is the ability to stop and rewind for the sections you find tricky! Scoring SAATB

William Byrd - Emendemus in Melius: A seasonal addition to my consorts with this wonderfully sonorous motet for Ash Wednesday. Suitable for players of all abilities – just sit back and make a beautiful sound! Scoring SATTB *Easier*

William Byrd - Fantasia I à 4: A classic of the Renaissance consort repertoire, originally composed for viols. The music transfers beautifully to recorders, but do be ready for some syncopated rhythmic fun! Scoring SATB

William Byrd - The Earl of Salisbury’s Pavan and Galliard: A Pavan and Galliard pairing composed by the master of consort music, William Byrd. Sir Robert Cecil, the 1st Earl of Salisbury was a short man (Queen Elizabeth I called him her ‘little elf’) and it has been suggested that this diminutive Pavan and Galliard, with only two sections in each dance rather than three, was Byrd’s reflection of this. Whatever the true story, they are small, but perfectly formed! Scoring: SATB *Easier*

Maddalena Casulana - Three Madrigals: Three beautiful vocal pieces from a little known 16th century composer. Casulana was the first woman in musical history to have a complete collection of her compositions published during her lifetime. Definitely a composer whose work should be explored further! Scoring SATB *Easier*

Giovanni Paolo Cima – Ricercare: A clever, minimalist piece of Renaissance consort music which uses just two musical themes to create a beautiful Ricercare. Scoring AATB (Optional Descant part also provided)

Brian Clark – Tango: A brand new piece, composed specially for my consort videos. This is a Tango with attitude and plenty of Latin-American passion. When he’s not composing Brian creates and publishes new editions of early music through his publishing house, Prima la musica. Scoring STTB

Giovanni Coperario – Fantasia O voi che sospirate: An exquisite Fantasia, created from a madrigal by Luca Marenzio of the same name. Coperario was clearly a huge fan of Italian madrigals as he interpreted over fifty of these works in his own unique way. Full of spine tingling harmonies and unexpected tonal twists. Scoring SATTB(Gb) 

Arcangelo Corelli - Concerto Grosso Op.6, No.8 ‘Christmas Concerto’: Three movements from perhaps the best known Christmas Concerto of all. In these three videos we have a workout for the basses, an elegant Vivace and a Pastorale which is beautifully relaxing and eminently playable! Scoring SATB (Optional GB)

John Dowland – Flow my Tears: Perhaps Dowland’s best known melody and one of his most beautiful, arranged for recorder quintet. The sheet music for a further two Dowland pieces is available for Score Lines subscribers to download from your Members’ Area. Scoring SATTB

John Dowland - Three Dances: A pavan, galliard and almand to have you dancing through the week. Widely considered to have been a rather melancholic character, Dowland included these dances in his collection Lachrimae, or Seaven Teares, and they show a livelier side to his nature among the sombre Lachrimae pavans. Scoring SATTB

Michael East – Fantasia No.7: Another of Michael East’s charming four part Fantasias. Subtitled Not Over Long it’s certainly short and sweet but full of melodic and rhythmic interest. Scoring ATBGb

Michael East - Fantasia I à 4: A beautifully crafted fantasia, originally for four viols, which transfers well to recorders. In this arrangement I have transposed the music down a fourth to fit the range of the instruments more comfortably. The quirky title, Name Right Your Notes, is undoubtedly good advice for all musicians! Scoring: SATB

Gus Edwards – By the Light of the Silvery Moon: A charming arrangement of a song from 1909 which is perhaps best known from the 1953 film of the same name, featuring Doris Day. Scoring ATTB

Edward Elgar - Chanson de Matin: A well known melody from a period of music recorder players rarely get to explore. This lovely arrangement has been generously provided by Michael Copley, who was known for stretching the possibilities of Romantic music played on the recorder during his time with the Cambridge Buskers. Scoring SATBGb

John Farmer -  Fair Nymphs, I heard one telling: A delightful madrigal from The Triumphs of Oriana, a collection published by Thomas Morley in 1601. Melodic and characterful and accessible for players of all abilities. Scoring SSATBGb *Easier*

Gabriel Fauré – Pie Jesu: The achingly beautiful Pie Jesu from Fauré’s Requiem. A piece of music we all know and love but perhaps not what you would consider traditional recorder repertoire! This will give you lungs a good workout and provides lots of opportunities to focus on good tone production and really neat fingering through the slurs. Scoring SATBGb

Giovanni Gabrieli - Canzon a 5: A lively Canzona which requires smaller forces than Gabrieli’s double choir offerings. Scoring SATTB (Optional GB)

Giovanni Gabrieli - Canzon Seconda A lively Canzon in four parts - guaranteed to get your fingers moving and your toes tapping! A delightful work from the master of the Venetian School, published in 1608 in a collection titled Canzoni per sonare con ogni sorte di stromenti. Scoring: SATB

Giovanni Gabrieli – Canzon Septimi Toni à 8: This wonderful eight part canzona would have been played in the resonant acoustic of St Marks, Venice, with the two groups of musicians placed away from each other (social distancing before we even knew the term!) to create a stereophonic effect. I have tried to replicate this here. If you listen through headphones or stereo speakers I hope you will hear choir 1 from your left and choir 2 from your right. I would strongly recommend watching the hints and tips video before playing this as there are several changes of tempo and time. Scoring: SATB SATB

Carlo Gesualdo - Two madrigals: A pair of contrasting madrigals from either end of Gesualdo’s short but colourful life – Bella Angioletta and Moro, lasso. Neither contain too many technical challenges, but the harmonies in Moro, lasso are astonishingly daring for the period in which they were composed. If you’ve never encountered Gesualdo’s music before be ready to be surprised! Scoring SAATB

Orlando Gibbons Fantasia No.2 à 3: Originally for three viols, this beautiful Fantasia is full of imitation and interest for every voice. Have fun with the syncopated rhythms and don’t be afraid to be creative with your articulation to add character. Scoring ATB

Orlando Gibbons - The Silver Swan: Perhaps Gibbon’s best known madrigal, which transfers easily to recorders. There are no great technical difficulties here - just an opportunity to play some beautiful lines with a rich, full tone. Scoring SATTB (Optional GB) *Easier*

Marg Hall - Two Scottish Island Tunes: A brand new pair of folk tunes from Scottish Islands – a lyrical song and a boisterous reel. Many thanks to Marg Hall for allowing me to share these with you. If these whet your appetite for Scottish music Marg’s two sets of Scottish Island tunes can be purchased from Recorder MusicMail. Easier*

Marg Hall – Spring Caprice: A new piece by Marg, composed for the centrespread of the March 2021 issue of The Recorder Magazine. I’ve created two versions of the video – one at the marked speed of 100 and a second at 120 (at Marg’s request) which has even more spring bounce! Scoring: SATB

Marg Hall - Klezmer Collection: Two movements from Marg Hall’s memorable Klezmer Collection - guaranteed to get your toes tapping! Many thanks to Marg for allowing me to record and share these pieces. If they whet your appetite to try the rest of the collection it is available from Peacock Press (edition number P512) from here. Scoring: SATB

R.B. Hall – March: Death or Glory: A rousing brass band march which was made famous in the movie Brassed Off!  Originally arranged for eight foot recorder orchestra, the music works just as well for higher instruments, but be warned – the melodies are unfeasibly catchy and you could be humming them for days! Scoring SSAATBGb

G.F. Handel - Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah: Possibly Handel’s best known chorus, arranged for a double choir of recorders by R.D.Tennant. This offers lots of scope for you to enjoy the celebratory mood and to spend some time creating unique characters from the music’s different melodic themes. Please do check the errata note included in the folder before playing the music. Scoring SATSATB

George Frideric Handel – Three Dances from Water Music: A trio of dances – a Sarabande, Bourrée and Minuet - from the music Handel composed in 1717 for King George I’s concert on the River Thames. Scoring SATB *Easier*

G.F.Handel - Non lo dirò col labbro: Originally an aria from Handel’s opera Tolomeo, this music is perhaps best known through Arthur Somervell’s 1928 adaption, Silent Worship. Here I’ve returned to Handel’s original, arranging the music for recorder quartet and transposing it into a more recorder-friendly key. Scoring SATB(Optional Gb) *Easier*

G.F. Handel – Adagio and Allegro HWV338: Borrowed from an orchestral Overture, these two movements provide some lovely musical contrasts. A lyrical Adagio is followed by an Allegro which is bursting with energy. Scoring SATB

G.F. Handel - Overture to Berenice: The Overture to one of three operas Handel premiered in 1737. A piece with four contrasting sections, the third of which has become famous in its own right. This section, with its beautiful melodic lines, is approachable for players of all levels, while the other sections require some nimble playing. Scoring SATB *Easier*

G.F.Handel - Overture for St. Cecilia: Handel composed his Ode for St Cecilia (the patron saint of music) in 1739, to be performed on 22nd November that year. Being a great recycler of his own music, he then reused the entire Overture in his Concerto Grosso, Op.5 No.6 - waste not, want not! This video is a recording of the Concerto Grosso movement, but as the notes are identical it seemed a good choice for St. Cecilia’s Day. Scoring: SATB

G.F.Handel – Two Dances from Music for the Royal Fireworks: An offering to mark Guy Fawkes Night. We have the energetic La Rejouissance, and a pair of elegant Menuets. Originally composed for a large wind band, these arrangements are adapted from one I made for a celebratory massed playing session at the Society of Recorder Players’ National Festival in 2010. Scoring: SopSATBGb

G.F.Handel - Passacaille, Op.5 No.4: A delightful trio sonata movement arranged by R.D.Tennant for recorder quartet. All four parts contain musical interest and the semiquavers will give your fingers a good workout! Scoring: SATB

John Hawkes – Silver Suite, 1st movement: I was delighted when John agreed to let me record this movement from his Silver Suite as it’s one of my favourites. The style is modern but not uncompromising and it contains some truly beautiful melodic lines. I strongly recommend seeking out the rest of the piece as the slow movement in particular is simply gorgeous! The music for the complete suite (Peacock Press P369) is available from Recorder MusicMail. Scoring: SSATB

David Healer – Breezing Under the Palms: A fresh piece from David Healer, whose Garden Swing I shared with you in August 2021. Imagine you’re strolling beneath the palm trees on a golden sandy beach, alongside crystal blue seas and I’m sure that’ll get you in the relaxed jazzy style! Scoring ATB

David Healer – Garden Swing: A deliciously joyful romp in the park from a composer who may be unfamiliar to you. David Healer is based in Hertfordshire and has composed music for many different ensembles and choirs – you can explore and listen to more of his music here. A delightful swing piece with lots of action for everyone. Scoring SATB

Anthony Holborne - Three Dances: Here we have three classics of the consort repertoire, with a trio of movements from Holborne’s Pavans, Galliards and Almains from 1599. Scoring: SATTB (Optional GB)

Scott Joplin - The Sycamore: One of Scott Joplin’s less well known pieces of ragtime music in an excellent arrangement by David Kemp. There are lots of interesting syncopations and plenty of interest for everyone. Scoring SATB

Josquin des Prez - Two Trios: Two pieces by the master of Renaissance polyphony, one slow and sonorous, the second lively and syncopated. Hélas madame is an instrumental piece, often played on viols, while Mon mary m'adiffamée is transcribed from a chanson. Scoring ATB

Jean-Baptiste Loeillet – Quintet in D minor: A beautiful piece of baroque chamber music, originally composed for two recorders, two flutes and continuo, adapted here for recorder consort. Scoring AAAA(T)B Optional GB

Antonio Lotti Crucifixus à 6: An exquisitely beautiful piece of choral music borrowed for recorders. The scrumptious harmonies are a joy to play and once you’ve tried this Crucifixus you’ll no doubt want to explore the other two composed by Lotti! Scoring SAATTBGb *Easier*

Antonio Lotti – Salve Regina: A beautiful, sonorous choral piece - the perfect vehicle to focus on your tone and legato playing. Lotti worked at St Mark’s Basilica in Venice for much of his life and one can only imagine how glorious this would have sounded in such a generous acoustic. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Steve Marshall - Sleazy Blues: Another chance to explore the jazzier side of the recorder. Sit back and relax, swing your quavers and try to be as sleazy as possible! This comes from Steve’s Three Recorder Blues, which is published by Peacock Press, edition number MHE90303 if you fancy trying the other movements. Scoring SATBGbCb

Steve Marshall – Made in Wales: A duo of Welsh folk songs, beautifully arranged by Steve Marshall for recorder quartet. A gentle maiden in secret sighed contains plenty of activity for everyone, but do watch out for the Scotch snap rhythms. In contrast, Suo Gân is a lullaby which looks simple but takes great control and as much beauty of tone as you can muster! If you enjoy these and would like to buy the full suite (including score) they are published by May Hill Music, MHE20408. Scoring SATB

Steve Marshall – Northumberland Suite: Two of my favourite movements from this beautiful suite of folk music. Bonny at Morn is particularly exquisite! The complete music for the Northumberland Suite (May Hill Edition MHE10708) is available to buy from Recorder MusicMail. Scoring SATTB

Steve Marshall - Otterbourne Hill Blues: This wonderfully laid back blues is the middle movement of Nerves of Steele, a piece composed for the late Mary Steele in 2015. Many thanks to Steve for allowing me to record it and share the music with you all. The complete music for Nerves of Steele (May Hill Edition MHE10315) is available to buy from Recorder MusicMail. Scoring: SATTB

Steve Marshall - Two Songs without Words: A delightful duo of miniatures for recorder quartet. Neither piece contains any huge technical challenges, but they do need some precision in terms of articulation and dynamics. A huge thank you to Steve for allowing me to share these videos along with his sheet music. These are two of my favourites from Songs without Words, but the other three are lovely too. If this whets your appetite and you’d like to try the rest, the music (May Hill Edition MHE11210) can be ordered from Recorder MusicMail. Scoring: SATB

Tiburtio Massaino - Canzon Trigesimaquarta: A joyful double choir canzon, composed by an Augustinian Friar. I recommend listening with earphones if you can, to appreciate the stereo effect of the two choirs. Scoring SATBSATB

Felix Mendelssohn – Three Seasonal Anthems: Between 1843 and 1846 Mendelssohn composed a series of six anthems for double choir, each themed around a particular time of year. Here I’ve brought together the three which relate to the festive period, celebrating, Advent, Christmas and New Year’s Day. They fit recorders perfectly and are suitable for players of any standard so everyone can enjoy a period of music we rarely get to explore! Scoring SSAATTBB *Easier*

Felix Mendelssohn - Andante in D: A beautiful melodic organ piece arranged for recorders by David Kemp. The music is quite straightforward, giving you time to think about your , breathing, tone production and finger technique through the slurs. Scoring SATBGb *Easier*

Felix Mendelssohn – Andante Religioso from Organ Sonata No.4: A beautifully crafted chorale-like movement which translates for the monochromatic tone of a recorder consort. We may not have any original Romantic repertoire for recorder, but that’s not to say we can’t steal it from elsewhere! Scoring: SATB

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Divertimento: A charming trio, originally composed for three basset horns. You may be familiar with this Divertimento from the old Oriel Library edition, but this version reinstates some missing bars and is arranged at a more mellow pitch! Scoring ATB

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Menuetto from Symphony No.39, K.543: A beautiful Minuet and Trio by the master of classical elegance. If you’re after a good workout, plump for the tenor line, but there’s plenty of action for everyone. Scoring SATBGbCb

W.A. Mozart - Kyrie eleison from Requiem, K.626: One of Mozart’s most instantly recognisable pieces in a brand new arrangement for recorder consort. An energetic fugue, this piece will give your fingers a good workout. Do watch the Hints and Tips video for suggestions to help you tackle it musically and technically. Scoring SATB (Optional GB)

James Oswald - The Marvel of Peru: Three charming pieces from King George III’s court chamber composer, with a distinctly Scottish flavour. These are part of a large series of pieces Oswald composed to illustrate the seasons. Scoring ATB

Palestrina – Sicut cervus: A beautiful, calming motet, one of Palestrina’s finest, published a decade after his death. The notes may be simple, but this gives you ample opportunity to focus on breathing and a warm tone. A set of eight foot parts (tenor down to contrabass) is also included in the download folder for those who wish to play this wonderful music at a lower pitch. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Robert Pearsall – Take, O take those lips away: A sonorous glee based upon a song from Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. A real opportunity to focus on your tone production so you can revel in the beautiful harmonies. Scoring SATBGbCb *Easier*

Robert Pearsall - In Dulci Jubilo: A perennially popular Christmas carol with a long history. The roots of In Dulci Jubilo reach back to the middle ages, but this arrangement by Pearsall is undoubtedly the most familiar today. Fortunately it translates beautifully onto recorders! Scoring SATB SATB

Bruce Pennick - Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells: A suitably festive arrangement of this cheery Christmas carol by Bruce Pennick, recorded specially for the Essex SRP 2020 Christmas celebration, which sneaks in a few bonus carols too! Shared with thanks to Bruce, Essex SRP and Alyson Lewin from Hawthorns Music. To purchase a copy of the score (parts are available to download as usual) please contact alyson@hawthornsmusic.co.uk Scoring SATB

Johann Christoph Pepusch – Overture to The Beggars Opera: Originally intended as a ballad opera without accompaniment for the songs, but Pepusch was brought in at the last minute to arrange the music, also composing this joyful overture. Lots of musical details to consider, but very satisfying to play when you get it right! Scoring SATB(GB)

Giovanni Battista Pergolesi - Stabat Mater: Stabat Mater is perhaps Pergolesi’s best known piece of music, and rightly so. The piece opens with this duet for soprano and alto voices with string orchestra accompaniment and is a work of sheer beauty, with suspensions piled high to create endless moments of tension and release. Originally in F minor, R.D.Tennant has transposed his arrangement into the more recorder-friendly key of G minor. If you like this piece, please do seek out the other movements here. Scoring: SATB

Johann Christoph Pezel – Four Dances: A suite of early Baroque dance movements – an Intrada, Sarabande, Allemande and Courente. Pezel’s music is often performed on brass instruments, but these dances work equally well for recorders. Scoring SSATB *Easier*

Julia Plumptre – Bucolic Frolic: A charming quartet with a folk-like character. Bucolic Frolic is full of lovely melodies, along with some fun musical and technical challenges too. Scoring AATB

Henry Purcell – Chacony: A beautiful, melancholic chaconne, composed for strings by Purcell at the tender age of 18. The music shows no signs of youthful inexperience and already contains glimpses of his musical genius. Scoring ATBCb(B)

Henry Purcell – Overture - Hail, Bright Cecilia! Written to mark St. Cecilia’s Day in 1692, the Overture to Purcell’s ode to the patron saint of musicians, seemed the perfect choice when I was invited to conduct Cheltenham and Gloucester SRP for their 40th birthday celebrations. Here you get to enjoy the added depth of the optional great and contra parts in each movement, along with a combined video of the entire overture. Scoring SSAATB(Optional Gb & Cb)

Henry Purcell – Excerpts from The Fairy Queen: Four contrasting movements from Purcell’s 1692 opera, which was based upon Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The complete set of arrangements from this opera are also included in the download folder in case you wish to try them with friends. Please note a small error in the Rondeau – the bass part in bar 29 should be a dotted minim. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Henry Purcell – Hear my prayer, O Lord: A beautiful choral anthem from 1682, which transfers with ease to recorders. The harmonies in this work really are Purcell at his most daring – endless shifts between major and minor and some astonishing discords. I can’t wait to try this out at eight foot when we’re allowed to play together in person again. Scoring SSAATTBB

Henry Purcell - Chaconne from ‘The Gordion Knot Untied’: I often use this delightful chaconne with recorder ensembles I conduct. Written as incidental music for a now long forgotten play, it’s in four relatively straightforward parts, but gives everyone a slice of the action. The arrangement was made by Eric Haas and is freely available via the IMSLP website. If you plan to play along with the treble part I would advise adding a sharp in front of the F in bar 57. Scoring: SATB

Jean-Philippe Rameau- Hymne à la Nuit: A beautiful chorale from Rameaut’s 1733 opera Hippolyte et Aricie which has enjoyed a 21st century revival through the film Les Choristes. A sonorous movement which leaves you free to focus on playing with a full, warm tone. Scoring SATBGb *Easier*

Paul Richards – Twelve Miniatures: A wonderfully imaginative collection of carols, created by Paul as a gift to the recorder community in December 2016. I’ve recorded six of the carols, but the score contains the complete set so you can explore them with friends. If you enjoy Paul’s music do take a look at the Willobie Press website for lots more music composed and arrange by Paul and Sheila Richards. Scoring SAT *Easier*

Paul Richards - Summer Blue: A relaxed piece of jazz, originally published as a centrespread in The Recorder Magazine in 2014. Beautifully crafted and Paul even managed to sneak in a seasonally appropriate quote from a song by Cliff Richard along the way! If you enjoy Summer Blue please do visit Willobie Press to explore more original pieces and arrangements by Paul and Sheila Richards.

Rosemary Robinson – Little Suite: Two movements from Rosemary’s delightful suite, which won second prize in the 2020 Composers’ Competition. Although based around traditional dance forms, the music is firmly from the twenty first century, with some exquisite shifts of harmony. Many thanks to Rosemary for letting me share these two movements with you. The complete Suite is published by May Hill Edition (edition number MHE 10321) and can be purchased here. Scoring SATTB

Rosemary Robinson - River Song: Originally composed as a centrespread for the Recorder Magazine, this delightful miniature is a wonderfully calming piece. Scoring SATTB

Francesco Rognoni Taeggio - Canzon La Basgapera: A delightful 16th century canzon which was suggested by one of my Score Lines subscribers. Rognoni may not be well known today, but was a member of a well respected musical Milanese family in the 16th century and wrote several important treatises about music. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Samuel Scheidt – Canzon Bergamasca: One of Scheidt’s popular Canzons for five voices, often played on recorders. The Canzon is cleverly composed around a single melodic line, which recurs even when the time signature changes. Scoring SSATB(Gb)

Samuel Scheidt - Nun komm der Heiden Heiland: A double choir motet for Advent and one of my festive musical offerings. Composed in 1620, this wonderful piece is based upon text by Martin Luther. Scoring SATB SATB

J.H.Schmelzer Sonata a 7: A classic of the recorder consort repertoire, genuinely composed for recorders. There’s plenty of action for everyone, but do keep your wits about you in the central fugue section! Scoring: SSAATTB

Sermisy – Tant que vivray: A delightful Renaissance chanson about the joys of love. There are two verses so I have repeated the music in the video, with added divisions the second time around. Scoring SATB(Optional Gb) *Easier*

Glen Shannon – Fughetta: A lively single movement, full of energetic imitation, originally composed as a centrespread for The Recorder Magazine in 2012. Nimble fingers are required but Glen’s experience as a recorder player means the faster runs sit well under the fingers. Don’t forget you can always slow the playback speed down for a more relaxed ride! Scoring SATB

Sir Arthur Sullivan – The Long Day Closes:  A calming and sonorous part song from a composer perhaps best known for his operettas. There are no fast notes here, but you’ll have plenty of time to consider your breath control and beauty of tone amid a moment of stillness. Scoring SATB(Gb)

Arthur Sullivan – Parting Gleams: A charming part song transcribed for recorders, recorded here with a sonorous combination of both high and low instruments. The downloads folder includes the score and parts for this expanded version, along with a smaller scale arrangement for those who don’t have access to great and contrabass recorders. Of course, if you wish to go for a really mellow effect it will also work equally well at eight foot, utilising just the bottom four parts of the expanded edition. Scoring (S)AATB(Gb) or (S)AATBBBGbCb *Easier*

Tielman Susato - Three Dances: A trio of pieces from Susato’s 1551 collection, Danserye – an allemande, the sonorous Mille Regretz and his famous Battle Pavan. Suitable for players of all ability levels. Scoring SATB Optional GB and CB. *Easier*

Thomas Tallis - Out from the deep: A wonderfully sonorous anthem by one of England’s most famous Renaissance composers. The perfect opportunity to focus on your breathing and tone production to create a performance of the greatest beauty. Scoring SATB (Optional Gb) *Easier*

Thomas Tallis - If Ye Love Me: Another stolen piece of choral music which works well on recorders. This anthem was sung when Pope Benedict XVI visited Westminster Abbey in 2010 and at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. Scoring: AATB (Optional GB) *Easier*

G.P. Telemann – Suite in G major: Two movements from a delightful suite, originally composed for strings. I’ve recorded the Gavotte and Chaconne, but I’ve shared the complete suite so you can explore the other movements with friends. The edition contains a few small errors in the typesetting so please do refer to the sheet of errata I’ve included in the download folder. Scoring SATB

Georg Philipp Telemann – Concerto: Two movements from one of Telemann’s Concerti for four violins. A beautiful Largo, full of harmonic tension, and a lively Allegro to get your fingers moving. Scoring ATBB

G.P. Telemann - Two Dances from Hamburger Ebb und Fluth: Two contrasting dances from Telemann’s collection of Water Music, composed to celebrate the centenary of the Hamburg Admiralty in 1723. Less well known that Handel’s Water Music but arguably even better! The complete Suite of dances is available to purchase here. Scoring SATBGb

Thomas Tomkins – Music Divine: A scrumptious six part madrigal which is simply divine to play! Every voice has an equal share of the interest and there is a steady stream of new musical ideas for you to shape with your articulation and tone. Scoring SSATTB (Optional GB)

Thomas Tomkins - A Fancy: A delightful early Baroque gem, originally composed for two people to play together on the virginals or organ. A favourite of mine since I played it with a friend on the harpsichord while we were studying for A levels at sixth form college. Scoring: SAATBGb

Colin Touchin – Ballade in Canon: A beautiful and clever Ballade composed by Colin Touchin in 2015 as a centrespread for the Recorder Magazine. Not only are the parts in canon, but at different pitches, yet the music fits perfectly and is wonderfully expressive. Scoring SATB

Traditional - A Thousand Christmas Candles: A charming Swedish carol, arranged by Charles Paterson. This beautiful tune was a new discovery for me, and this arrangement brings each instrument a chance to enjoy playing the melody. Scoring SAATTB *Easier*

Traditional, arr. Helen Whomersley – Lady Mary: A charming medley combing two folk tunes – Lady Mary and Watching the White Wheat. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Traditional – All Through the Night: A beautifully sonorous arrangement of this traditional Welsh melody, known as Ar Hyd y Nos in its home language. This video offers you the perfect opportunity to focus on your breathing and tone production, as well as controlling the movement of your fingers through the long slurred phrases. Scoring SSATB *Easier*

Traditional, arr. Sue Handscombe - Two Folk Songs: A pair of folk songs from Northumberland - Blow the wind southerly and Dance to your Daddy. In these delightful arrangements everyone gets a slice of the action and they’re suitable for players of all abilities. Many thanks to Sue Handscombe for allowing me to share these with you. More of Sue’s wonderful arrangements are available from Peacock Press. *Easier*

Various - Three Easy Baroque Consorts: A trio of quartets by Handel, Bach and Jeremiah Clarke. These three pieces are perfect for players who are working to hone their technique and ensemble skills. If you enjoy this sample, my complete set of Easy Baroque Consorts (May Hill Edition MHE10712) is available to here. Scoring: SATB *Easier*

Various - Three Hymn Tunes: Brass bands have long used hymns as warm up material and there’s no reason why recorder players can’t too! Three of my favourite hymn tunes, set for recorder quartet, which are the perfect tool for honing the pure beauty of your tone. With no major technical challenges these are ideal for those who are new to ensemble playing. If you enjoy playing these, the complete set of 12 Hymn Tunes can be purchased here. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Lodovico Viadana – Adoramus te: A bonus video which is too short to stand on its own but too good not to share at all! The notes and rhythms are easy, allowing you the perfect opportunity to focus on your breathing and tone without added distractions. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Lodovico Grossi da Viadana – La Fiorentina: A lively Sinfonia – one of eighteen Viadana composed and named after Italian cities. Come with me and explore 17th century Florence! Scoring SATBSATB

Tomás Luis de Victoria – Ascendens Christus in altum: A glorious piece of choral music by Spain’s greatest Renaissance composer. If you choose to read from the score the treble lines need to be read up an octave, but the music is notated at playing pitch in the parts. Scoring AATTB

Antonio Vivaldi – Sinfonia Al Santo Sepolcro: A wonderfully atmospheric piece, originally composed for strings, which brings ample opportunities to work on characterising the musical ideas as you play them. This sounds wonderful when played with a larger ensemble so why not share it with friends and luxuriate in the astonishing harmonies?! Scoring ATBB

Antonio Vivaldi - Concerto Madrigalesco: The final two movements of a lively string concerto by Venice’s most famous composer. I previously shared the first and second movements as an exclusive subscriber video in 2021 and these are still available in the Members’ Area (along with many more exclusive resources) to anyone who subscribes to Score Lines. Scoring SATB

William Ward-Higgs – Sussex by the Sea: A rousing march celebrating the people and landscape of my own home county. Scoring SAATTBGb

Weelkes – O Lord, Grant the King a Long Life: One of the many pieces of music performed at the Coronation of King Charles III in May 2023. The melodic lines fit the recorder perfectly and it includes lots of interplay between the seven voices. Scoring SSAATTB *Easier*

John Wilbye – The Lady Oriana: In 1601 Thomas Morley published a ‘The Triumphs of Oriana’ – a collection of 25 madrigals long thought to be in honour of Queen Elizabeth I. The Suffolk born composer John Wilbye was one of those chosen to be part of this volume and his madrigal, The Lady Oriana also works beautifully on recorders. A suitably regal piece to celebrate both the Platinum Jubilee and the second anniversary of my recorder consort videos! Scoring SSATTB *Easier*

John Wilbye - Adieu, Sweet Amaryllis: A small but perfectly formed pieces, taken from Wilbye’s First Book of Madrigals from 1598. The notes are straightforward but this gives you the perfect opportunity to focus on playing with a warm tone and phrasing the melodic lines beautifully. Scoring SATB *Easier*

Vincent Youmans, arr. Steve Marshall - Tea for Two: Inspired by Dmitri Shostakovich’s creative orchestration of Tea for Two, I set Steve Marshall a challenge to write his own interpretation specially for my Consort Video series. This is the result, which inhabits a soundworld of old school jazz with some Shostakovich inspired harmonies! Scoring SATTBGbCb

Duets and Trios ‘minus one’:

J.S.Bach – Wachet auf: (Trio minus one) One of Bach’s most recognisable melodies, composed for the last Sunday before Advent. In this trio arrangement there’s plenty to challenge in the treble part, while the tenor and bass lines are less demanding for those who are still building their skills. The downloads folder includes a complete recording, along with ‘minus one’ videos so you can play with me as an equal. Scoring ATB *Easier* (and harder too!)

J.S.Bach - Invention BWV784 (Duet minus one): Originally composed as a musical exercise for his students, Bach’s Inventions are small but perfectly formed masterpieces, which transfer well to other mediums. Scoring: AA

Willem De Fesch - Sonata in F, Op.9, No.1 (Duet minus one): Two movements originally for flute duo, which work perfectly on recorders. A prolific Dutch Baroque composer, de Fesch was also a virtuoso on the violone, playing in Handel’s orchestra in London.

Michael East – Fantasia No.3 Both Alike (Duet minus one): A delightful imitative Fantasia, originally composed for two bass viols. To offer you as many options as possible I’ve transcribed the Fantasia for three different duet combinations. Scoring AA or TT or BB

Edward Elgar – Duett (Duet minus one): A little known piece from 1877, composed for trombone and double bass as a wedding gift for a friend. It transfers to recorders remarkably well and adds to the duet repertoire for the larger sizes of recorder. Scoring TB (Alternative version available for SA too)

Andrea Falconieri – Ciaconna: (Trio minus one) This lively 17th century Italian ciaconna is composed above a repeating bassline which continuously alternates between a duple and triple metre. Many thanks to Sharon Lambert for sharing her edition of this charming piece and giving me her blessing to record and share it with you. Scoring ATB

Domenico Gabrielli – Canon (Duet minus one): A Baroque duo, originally composed for two cellos, by one of the earliest cello virtuosi. Gabrielli is little known today, but his unaccompanied ricercars are still performed regularly by cellists. Scoring AA or TT

Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi – Bicinium I (Duet minus one): A Renaissance duo for two equal voices which contains lots of imitation. I’ve created videos of both parts so you can choose which one to play along with. Scoring SA

G.F. Handel - How Beautiful are the Feet (Trio minus one): A truly beautiful aria from Handel’s Messiah, arranged very effectively for recorder trio. This is shared as a ‘minus one’ trio in four different version so you can play along with all three parts or join me as an equal. Scoring ATB

G.F.Handel - Fugue from Concerto Grosso Op.3, No.5: A lively trio minus one which offers lots of opportunities for some creative fun with phrasing and articulation. Four different videos are provided so you can play with me as an equal or double up with a part of your choice. Scoring ATB

George Frideric Handel - Trio Sonata in F (Trio minus one): After a long absence, my ‘minus one’ offerings are back! Handel write this Trio Sonata (his only one composed specifically for recorders) while working in Italy, reusing some of the melodic material from his solo Recorder Sonata in F. I’ve created ‘minus one’ videos of all three movements, as well as a complete performance for those who feel more comfortable playing along rather than going it alone on their part. Scoring AAB

G.F. Handel - Trio Sonata Op.2 No.4 (Trio minus one): Two movements from a beautiful trio sonata, originally intended for violins, oboes or flutes. It was common practice for recorder players to ‘borrow’ flute music during the 18th century and the tradition continues today with this lovely arrangement by R.D. Tennant. Scoring: ATB

Wilhelm Klingenbrunner - Duo No.10 (Duet minus one): A delightful nineteenth century duet taken from Klingenbrunner’s Csakan-Schule, a tutor book for a Romantic relative of the recorder. The csakan creates its tone in the same way as the recorder, so this is an ideal way to explore the period when composers stopped writing for our own instrument. I’ve recorded both lines so you can play along with me on either treble or tenor recorder. Scoring AT

Jean Baptiste Loeillet - Sonata in A minor (Duet minus one): Loeillet composed many works for the recorder, including a set of twelve duos. The Adagio gives plenty of opportunities for beautiful, legato playing, while the Allegro will give your fingers a good workout! Scoring: AA

Johann Mattheson - Chaconne from Sonata Op.1 No.11 (Duet minus one): A beautiful chaconne, crafted from the simplest of harmonic sequences. I have recorded the lower recorder part so you can play along with the upper part. Scoring AA

Johann Mattheson - Sonata Op.1 (Trio minus one): One of Mattheson’s beautifully crafted sonatas for three equal instruments. Scoring: AAA

Thomas Morley - Fantasie: La Girandola (Duet minus one): One of Morley’s exquisitely composed two part fantasias, originally published among his two part canzonets. Scoring: AA

James Oswald - Two Scottish and English Songs (Duet minus one): Two delightful Baroque duets from King George III’s chamber composer. I discovered an 18th century edition of these while rummaging on the internet during the lockdown and think they deserve to be better known! If you like these I have edited and published a PDF edition of a set of 15 Oswald duets, which is available here. Scoring: AT

Henry Purcell Chaconne - Two in One Upon a Ground from Dioclesian (Duet minus one): This delightful piece is a duet in canon, played over a ground bass. I play the upper part, while you play the lower one, although, being a canon, their notes are identical! Scoring: AAB

Giuseppe Sammartini – Sonata No.1 (Duet minus one): The first of six sonatas composed while Sammartini was working in London as an oboist and recorder player. Originally composed for two flutes, I’ve followed the Baroque practice of transposing the music up a minor third to create a new edition which fits the recorder beautifully. Here we have complete and ‘minus one’ videos of the first movement and you can try the others with a friend! Scoring AA.

Alessandro Scarlatti – Sonata in F (Quartet minus one): A delightful Baroque sonata for three treble recorders and basso continuo. Each of the three movements has been recorded four times so you have the opportunity to play any of the parts. Scoring AAACb 

G.P. Telemann – Trio Sonata in C (Trio minus one): This wonderful Trio Sonata is often known as Telemann’s Girlfriends because many of the movements are named after famous women from Greek and Roman history. Here we have three of them, recorded as ‘minus one’ videos so you can play with me as an equal. A fourth video is provided for each movement which includes all three voices for those who prefer to play alongside me. Scoring AAB

Georg Philipp Telemann – Duo No.3 (Duet minus one): Telemann’s 1752 set of duets are less well known to recorder players but worth exploring to enjoy their high Baroque musical style. This Vivace and Poco Presto are taken from the third of the set. The download folder contains videos of the two separate recorder parts as well as one featuring both parts together for you to play along with. Scoring AA

G.P. Telemann - Canonic Sonata No.5 (Duet minus one): A very clever piece of composition, using a single line to create an effective duet. The Sonata comprises three contrasting movements – the fast ones will challenge speedy types, while the elegant central Cantabile can be played by players who prefer a moderate tempo! Scoring AA

Georg Philipp Telemann - Duo in B flat (Duet minus one): Two movements from a duo by Georg Philipp Telemann, where I play the lower voice. As usual, I’ve also included the sheet music and an additional video which contains some useful hints and tips. Scoring: AA

Jacob Van Eyck - Two Duets (Duet minus one) Two of the handful of duet pieces contained within Van Eyck’s Der Fluyten Lusthof. I’ve recorded both parts in separate videos so you can try out both. Scoring SS(A)