Chording to the Dance Masters is a selection of dance tunes that were collected originally between about 1500 and 1620. Printing made many of these tunes popular throughout Europe during these times, some of them composed by the printer/publishers themselves, but many more of them existed previously as rustic dance tunes or popular chansons. The works were originally published to be played by three to five instrumentalists, with no particular instruments specified. They suited consorts or ?choirs? of instruments that were depicted in the illustrations of Agricola, Mersenne and most notably Praetorius and are now preserved in museums around the world.

Many editions exist in the 3, 4 or 5 parts as originally published, and these are an absolute joy to perform from, where the interweaving parts create interesting harmonies that demonstrate the skills of these renaissance composer/arranger/publishers. Playing with modern reproductions of the early instruments will recreate textures and sounds unique to this period. However, not everyone is lucky enough to either own these instruments or else have contact with others with whom they could form ensembles. This book aims to widen the experience out to those who would like to play these tunes on their own or with the accompaniment of a guitar, keyboard or other available chordal instrument. Fake books abound for those who wish to play Jazz, Folk, Classical and Popular music where the melody is annotated with chords so that players can access these tunes in their own way. As far as I am aware, this has not often been done for the player who wishes to busk their way through music of the Renaissance period.

I have attempted to include all the chords implied by the polyphonic parts of the original publications, simply because it is in the transitions of the harmonies under the melodies where the genius of the original arranger/publisher resides. Those who go on to explore the original versions may look forward to the way in which each line presents the player with intrinsically beautiful counter melodies.

At first, the rapidity of chord changing can be a bit daunting, so I have marked out what I consider to be the essential chords for accompaniment in boxes. Playing just these will provide adequate accompaniment, whilst leaving the more adventurous scope to enhance their performance by referencing some of the other chords. You can hear the chording arrangements together with the original 3, 4 or 5 part versions of all 44 pieces on a YouTube playlist which has been made as a companion to this volume at

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYRWH2nycMkMoIoEYEMVPa_EXY6NVDpNS

As well as the solo or player in a duo, this book would also be of value for someone who is used to reading chords rather than melody lines wishing to join in with a renaissance consort. The selection I have chosen represents quite a few of the ?standards? that have become regularly played since the revival of renaissance music in the late 1960s. It is hoped that should this volume prove popular, companion volumes with all the parts provided for the same pieces could make essential repertoire for the budding renaissance dance consorts of the future.

Song List: A Song About Me A Worthy Woman Above the Hills of Time All In The Name Of Jesus Alleluia (Schubert) Amazing Grace Because He Lives Because You Are God's Chosen Ones The Birthday of the King The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power The Body of Our Lord Born Again Bread Of The World In Mercy Broken Bridal Prayer Bring Back The Springtime Chosen of the Lord Christ Living Within You Clean Before My Lord Come, Praise the Lord! Communion Song Eternal Life Flee As A Bird For Those Tears I Died Gentle Like Jesus The Gift Of Love Give Me Jesus Give Them All To Jesus Grace Greater Than Our Sin Great Is Thy Faithfulness Have Thine Own Way, Lord! He Carried My Cross He Died for Me He Shall Feed His Flock He Turned The Water Into Wine He Was There All The Time He's a Wonderful Lord The Heavens Declare His Glory Help Us Accept Each Other Here's My Life Here's One His Eye Is On The Sparrow Ho! Everyone Who Is Thirsty The Holy City How Big Is God How Quiet Is the Night How Real! Hush Now I Am His And He Is Mine I Am the Vine I Am Willing, Lord I Heard About A Man I Just Came To Praise The Lord I Know Where I'm Going I Saw the Lord, and All Beside Was Darkness I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked I Want Jesus to Walk with Me I Wonder as I Wander I Wonder Why? If Jesus Had Not Come If My People Will Pray If with All Your Hearts If You Need a Helping Hand I'm Goin' Home In Jesus' Name In the Image of God Into My Heart It Was His Love It Won't Stop Ivory Palaces Jesus Is Lord Of All Jesus Revealed in Me Just A Closer Walk With Thee Just Because I Asked Lead Me To Calvary Learning to Learn Life Indeed Like A Child Little Baby Jesus Lonely Voices The Lord Is My Light Lord, Listen to Your Children Lord, Show the Way Lord, Take Control of Me The Lord's Prayer Love Came Down At Christmas Love Theme Love Was When Marvelous Mystery May the Mind of Christ Mirror More (Than You'll Ever Know) My Cup Overflows My Jesus, I Love Thee My Tribute The New 23rd New Wind Blowin' No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus No Power of My Own Nothing ... Everything O Father in Heaven O Glorious Love! O Holy Night O Lord Most Holy O Rest in the Lord O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus Of Love I Sing Oh, What Love! Open the Gates of the Temple The Palms Praise The Lord, He Never Changes Reach Out to Your Neighbor Ring The Bells Rise Again Savior, My Heart Is Thine Seek Ye First Shepherd Of Love Something Beautiful So Great Is His Mercy Spirit Of God Strength to My Soul Sweet Is the Name of Jesus Take God By the Hand Take My Life Ten Thousand Angels Thank You for These Gifts Thanks to God That Someday Is Now That's Why We Are Beautiful Then shall the righteous shine forth There's A Quiet Understanding They Led Him Away This Is My Commandment This Is The Time I Must Sing The Touch Of The Master's Hand The Twenty-Third Psalm (Malotte) Until Then Wedding Song Welcome Home, Children What God Hath Promised What Grace Is This! What Have They Done? Whither Thou Goest Who Are You to Disagree? Who Is This Boy? Who Shall Separate Us? Who Will Go? Worthy Is The Lamb Yes, God Is Real You're Something Special