Saraband and Variations

Description

The Saraband and Variations are No. 5 in a manuscript collection known as the Anna Maria Van Eyl manuscript. The manuscript dates from 1671 and belongs to the Toonkunst-Bibliothek in Amsterdam. The composer of this particular saraband is Gisbert Steenwick, who also seems to have compiled the manuscript. A copy of the original MS indicates nothing in the way of dynamics, fermati, tempo, etc. (as is typical of scores written during this period). The performance directions, therefore, are those of the transcriber and editor. The conductor can be free to interpret as he sees fit. The scoring contains soli passage work for all sections. Advanced players will find that third position will facilitate some of the passage work although the piece can be played in first position and is so fingered in the score. Once the piece is mastered, the fermati should be disregarded.

Published by: Wynn Music Publishers