This book begins with eight pages of introductory material entirely in Spanish, followed by 281 pages of music, all on good-quality paper spiral-bound in a landscape format. It contains 44 sets of variations (“glosados”) written by Antonio de Cabezon (1510-1566) and published by his son Hernando in 1578. They are based on song tunes popular at the time, by composers such as Josquin des Prez and Orlando de Lassus. All of the variations are polyphonic, beginning with 15 pieces in four parts, 23 in five parts and 6 in six parts.
The music was originally written in tablature form for vihuela, an instrument similar to a guitar, but with six pairs of double strings. At the time that the music was written, vihuela music was often adapted for keyboard use. Maria Sala has transcribed the music quite literally, but has not adapted it – and many players will be pleased to have this literal version and make their own adaptations. On a vihuela it is possible to play a sustained note on one string and a faster passage on other strings which use the same note. This isn’t possible on a keyboard instrument where a single key has to serve both purposes, and the player will need to find a work-around.
The pages are well set out, and the music is very easy to read. Unlike more modern music, when the performer is supposed to play the notes as written, these pieces are skeletons to which the performer is expected to add appropriate ornaments. Playing the written notes doesn’t require much more than grade 6 ability, but the player also needs to know the playing conventions of the time.
The title page says it is for “piano”, but a harpsichord, clavichord or suitable organ would be more appropriate. If the pieces are played on a piano as written (as far as possible) they are pleasant; on a harpsichord or clavichord using historic tuning and adding the appropriate ornaments they become much more attractive.
- (Seaford, United Kingdom)