Singing From The Book EBOOK PDF

Singing from the book, in the Renaissance, meant adding one or more voices to a written melody known as the cantus firmus, which could be plainchant, a song, a psalm, etc. The singers improvised other lines around the cantus firmus, thus creating instant counterpoint.

This practical handbook explores in depth the different models for improvising above a cantus firmus, ranging from the gymel (in two voices) and the fauxbourdon (in three voices) to florid counterpoint in four and five voices, and also several models without a cantus firmus, such as the canons in two and three voices.

Precise instructions illustrated with musical examples are given for improvising the different voices in each model. Study advice and preparatory exercises are also provided to guide learners as they go along.

The second part of the book consists of a collection of melodies taken from music both sacred (anthems, hymns, psalms, carols and laude) and secular (songs), allowing each singer to put into practice the improvisation models proposed. Ample space is given to the beautiful melodies of the 15th and 16th century songbooks, namely Bayeux, Palacio, Chardavoine and the Lochamer Liederbuch.

This book is for all, that is to say amateur and professional musicians, music teachers, singers and instrumentalists alike. Everyone will glean from the different chapters the advice best suited to their skills and desires. It can also be used as an introduction to arranging and writing in the style of the Renaissance.