Michael Praetorius

3 Dances from "Terpischore"

Published in 1612, "Terpsichore" is the most famous collection of dances from the Renaissance: more than three hundred dance tunes compiled and harmonized by Michael Praetorius, creating a vivid, colorful picture of the secular music of his time. This suite brings together three of them, full of verve and folk charm. The "Springtanz," a leaping dance, opens the cycle with joyful, rhythmic verve. This is followed by "Der Kanarienvogel" (The Canary), a light, sparkling dance whose rapid, imitative figures evoke the chirping of the bird. Finally, "The Volte", a dance in triple meter famous for its leaps and whirling turns, concludes the suite with swirling exuberance. With their unadulterated freshness, these dances enchant with their direct melodies, lively rhythms, and radiant harmonies. An enjoyable immersion in Renaissance music that irresistibly invites movement and good cheer.