Once again, an English Country Dance from Playford’s “The English Dancing Master.” There are many similarities with “Aria del Gran Duca,” but this piece has some some new fingering challenges to master.

Skill Builders

Musicality: Although the repeated notes need clear articulation, the scalar eighth notes should be legato and singing.

Left Hand: Because we’re in F Major, there are lots of shifts between half and first positions, as well as plenty of practice for backwards extensions.

Right Hand: The sequences (repeated patterns) mean that the eighth-note runs often have to be played the wrong way around. We need to make them sound smooth and even, no matter which bow you’re on.