Renaissance Period Music
c. 1420 - 1650
Here are samples of music from the 15th to 17th century that represent the Renaissance period in music.  Each country at the time presented distinct stylings of this period music.  Selections are from the English, French, Italian, and Spanish Renaissance.

The page follows the same general style as my other music pages - Russian and Andean/Latin America. The files are all in RealAudio format. Most of the music is from rare out-of-print vinyl LPs. CD reissues are noted if available.


NEW:
Rodrigo Martinez - Spanish Renaissance
Kings Singers

UNSORTED:
Hanacpachap Cussicuinin -
Thought to be the first multi-voiced music composed in the New World, this simple but intriguing piece is found in a collection of sacred music compiled in 1631, but was likely written some years earlier...more Lyrics
San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble
Passacaille -
A pretty French passacaglia - but sung in Spanish; more info soon

Branle gai - Pierre Attaingnant (circa 1494 - 1551)
Lawrence-King, Harp Consort (CD)
O l'heureuse journée - Anonymous carol from Avignon, France c. 1600
Boston Camerata (CD)
Gloucestershire Wassail - Traditional - Lyrics and notation
Waverly Consort (Virgin Classics 55193)


ENGLISH ~
SONGS
Though Philomela Lost Her Love - Thomas Morley (1557-1603)
A Robyn, Gentil Robyn - William Cornysh (Died 1523)
Farewell, Dear Love - Robert Jones (16th century)
Remember, O Thou Man - Thomas Ravenscroft (1592-1635)
O Mistresse Mine - Thomas Morley (1557-1603)
INSTRUMENTALS
Witches' Dance
- Anonymous
All pieces above by The Renaissance Quartet/Project 3 PR 7000SD
MORE SONGS
Cold and Raw
-
The Baltimore Consort (Dorian 90155)
17th Century Winter Carol - English, sung by Ellen Hargis with lutenist Paul O'Dette.
MADRIGALS

Sing we And Chant It
- Shall I Sue All Creatures Now
Say, Love - Hark All Ye Lovely Saints - Rest, Sweet Nymphs
All madrigals above from Nonesuch H-71097 collection

FRENCH ~
INSTRUMENTALS
Gavotte from Atys - Jean Baptiste Lully (1632-1687)
Lamoureux Orchestra and Wind Ensemble/Armand Birbaum
Philips PHC9036
L'arboscello ballo Furlano - Pierre Phalèse (1510-1573)
Branle - Claude Gervaise (16th century)
Two pieces above are from RCA Victrola VICS-1328
Branle de Montirandé - Antoine Francisque (1570-1605)
Rafael Puyana/(CD)
SONGS
Que dises, mei bon fraire - 16th century song from French Provence/Terra Nova Consort
(Dorian 90269)
J'ai vu le loup (I Saw the Wolf) - Baltimore Consort (Dorian 90177)

ITALIAN ~
INSTRUMENTAL
Ayo visto lo mappamundi - Italian Renaissance, Waverly Consort (CD)
("I've seen the map of the world") The tune is pretty. It was inspired by the explorer voyages of the 15th century, which had sad dire consequences for indigenous populations of the day.

La Frescobalda - Pavana alla Veneziana - Gagliarda
Virginal soloist Blanche Winogron/Counterpoint 5516
An Italian Rant - Baltimore Consort (Dorian 90238)

SPANISH ~
VILLANCICOS
E La Don Don - The Renaissance Quartet/Project 3 PR 7000SD
Vésame y abràcame - New York ProMusica/Decca DL9409
----------------------------
Riu Chiu is a 16th century Spanish villancico (carol) arranged in a South American folkloric style. Here are 5 versions of it. Like to sing along?? Here are the lyrics.
Riu Chiu - Cuarteto Zupay
Riu Chiu - Chanticleer
Riu Chiu - The Monkees with Chip Davis (performed in their Christmas 1967 episode)
Riu Chiu - The Monkees with Davy
Riu Chiu - Eric Tingstad
Riu Chiu - Unknown Instumental


HARP
Hachas - Popular Variations - Villancete - Seguidilla - Huete
Nicanor Zabaleta, soloist/Counterpoint 509 and 5542
Marionas - Tarantela - Luz y Norte/Lucas Ribavaz (CD)
OLD FOLK SONGS
A La Nanita - La Magarideta - El Pobre Alegre
Madrigal Chorus of Madrid/Odyssey 32160148

OTHER THINGS SECTION ~
Farewell to Nova Scotia
- The Buccaneers
I Can't Help Falling In Love With You - an Irish take on this Elvis standard


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