The Complete Country Dance Tunes

Synopsis

The Complete Country Dance Tunes from Playford's The Dancing Master is the classic compendium of English country dance tunes. First published in 1651 it went through eighteen editions in almost 80 years. In its day it was the most popular collection of its kind and engendered numerous imitations. The tunes selected by Playford and his successors were taken from many sources and demonstrate the extraordinary richness and vitality of popular melody in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

This book brings together, for the first time under one cover, 535 tunes and their variants from the eighteen original editions. It provides a fund of musical material for performers, whether folk musicians or baroque instrumentalists, and for class and instrumental music teachers. It is also an invaluable reference book for anyone interested in the history of English music.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Basics of Country Dance Tunes

* Introduction to country dance tunes, their origins, and characteristics
* Basic elements: melody, rhythm, and form
* Example: "Cotton Eyed Joe," a popular square dance tune with a simple melody and syncopated rhythm

Chapter 2: Types of Country Dance Tunes

* Quadrilles: Formal dances with four couples
* Waltzes: Smooth, gliding dances
* Polkas: Lively, fast-paced dances
* Two-Steps: Simple partner dances with a shuffle step
* Example: "Red River Valley," a waltz tune with a haunting melody

Chapter 3: The Fiddle as a Country Dance Instrument

* The fiddle's role in country dance music
* Techniques: bowing, fingering, and ornamentation
* Example: "Arkansas Traveler," a famous fiddle tune with a driving melody and intricate bowings

Chapter 4: The Banjo as a Country Dance Instrument

* The banjo's origins and use in country dance
* Techniques: strumming, picking, and rolls
* Example: "Cripple Creek," a classic banjo tune with a lively syncopated rhythm

Chapter 5: The Guitar as a Country Dance Instrument

* The guitar's use in country dance bands
* Techniques: flatpicking, fingerpicking, and chording
* Example: "Dueling Banjos," a famous guitar tune with a rapid-fire melody and intense fingerpicking

Chapter 6: The Mandolin as a Country Dance Instrument

* The mandolin's role in bluegrass and other country dance styles
* Techniques: picking, chording, and tremolo
* Example: "Blue Moon of Kentucky," a bluegrass standard with a soaring melody and a driving mandolin accompaniment

Chapter 7: Other Instruments in Country Dance Music

* The bass, accordion, and harmonica
* Their roles in adding rhythm, harmony, and color
* Example: "Turkey in the Straw," a popular square dance tune featuring a lively accordion accompaniment

Chapter 8: Regional Variations in Country Dance Tunes

* The influence of geography and culture on country dance tunes
* Examples: Texas swing, Appalachian clogging, and Celtic reels
* Example: "The Irish Washerwoman," a traditional Irish reel with a lively melody and a syncopated rhythm

Chapter 9: The Role of Country Dance Tunes in Society

* The historical and social significance of country dance tunes
* Their use for entertainment, celebration, and community bonding
* Example: "Ashokan Farewell," a fiddle tune that has become a symbol of American folk music