It is rare that pianists play music written prior to 1650, but
this book provides the opportunity to learn
more about music of the Renaissance through study, practice, and
performance.
Tielman Susato is best remembered as a
prominent printer and publisher of music who lived and worked for many years in
the city of Antwerp, part of present-day Belgium. Susato was the composer
of both vocal and instrumental works, including his 1551 collection known
as the Danserye. I have drawn from these dances to create "Susato for Piano."
This book contains music of both elementary and intermediate complexity.
Most of the pieces have been arranged as duets, but the primo
parts may be played without accompaniment. When both parts are played,
the primo should be played one octave higher than written. In the case of
the final Ronde, the primo part may be played in the written octave.
Musicians of Susatos time would have improvised freely on each tune and
would have repeated phrases or entire dances to fit the situation. I encourage you to embellishments or repeats as desired, and have fun!