by Bob OrdComposed by: VariousFour pieces named on title screen This was the name of a group of musicians that I was associated with in the early 70s. We took our name, from the name of a song written by King Henry VIII.
Many people do not believe that Henry wrote music, but he possessed many musical instruments and since he was the second son of Henry VII would, as was the custom, be sent to the Church for his education. Here I believe, he would learn the art of music. Enough of myself, on to the music. The first piece of music is Henry VII's "Pastime with Good Company" played upon a Descant, a Treble Recorders and a Bass Dulzaine. The Dulzaine is a quieter version of the Crumhorm, and was often shown in pictures playing along with Recorders, although none survive to the present day. Following the opening chorus, the verse is played by the Lute and Rebec. The Rebec, a bowed instrument with three strings has a rather nasal quality. Then the whole consort play the repeat. The second piece of music is "La Battaille" published in his book "Danserye" by Tielman Susato in 1551. Since the parts in the third section of this pavane echo one another, I have used Recorders and Dulzaines to make the contrast in sound. Schott publish this collection of dances in two books, reference numbers: BOOK 1 SCHOTT EDITION 2435 BOOK 2 SCHOTT EDITION 2436 The third piece of music is "Bockington's Pound" played on the Lute. The rather strange title refers to a wager made by Bockington, in which he was to swim in the Thames from Hampton Court to London Bridge. He lost the wager not due to his skill in swimming, but because he could not get Queen Elizabeth's permission to swim in the river. Finally another piece from Susato called "Bergeret Sans Roch" a Basse dance is played upon Crumhorns. I hope you enjoy the music and using the instrument definitions. Bob Ord |
Source: AMPLINEX M13 disk, file $.PASTIME |
Published in AMPLINEX M13, September 1989
