Saltarello II (13th Century Medieval) — Soprano Recorder Sheet Music + Chords (PDF) | Key: A minor

Saltarello II
Key: A minor
Arrangement: Soprano Recorder (lead melody) + Chords (also works for other instruments)
Composer/Source: Traditional / Anonymous
Era: Medieval (13th century)
Region – Culture: Italian
Type: Dance (Saltarello)

About this sheet music (PDF)

Saltarello II is presented as a 13th-century medieval dance tune, arranged here as a practical lead melody for soprano recorder with chord symbols for accompaniment. In A minor, the music has an energetic, earthy character that fits perfectly in early-music programs, medieval-themed events, historical venues, and lively background sets where you want a rhythmic “old-world” vibe.

The melody + chords format makes this piece extremely flexible:

• play it solo on recorder (clear, rhythmic, dance-driven),
• add accompaniment quickly using guitar/keys/harp with the chord symbols,
• adapt it easily to other melodic instruments (flute, violin, voice, whistle) while keeping harmony consistent.

Why it works well on soprano recorder

Saltarellos are excellent for building technique through groove and repetition:

• Rhythmic stability (dance music rewards a steady, confident pulse)
• Clean articulation (light tonguing supports the beat without harshness)
• Finger coordination (patterns train accuracy and speed gradually)
• Phrase awareness (repeated sections help you practice musical contrast)
• Ensemble confidence (chords guide harmonic direction and make rehearsals faster)

Because the tune is energetic but not harmonically complicated, it’s also great for practicing historically-friendly variation: dynamics, articulation changes, and accompaniment texture shifts—without “rewriting” the melody.

Performance tips

Start with a danceable tempo you can keep steady. Keep articulation crisp and buoyant, and avoid heavy rubato. If you repeat sections (common for dance contexts), create contrast by:

• changing dynamics slightly,
• switching accompaniment texture (drone vs. broken chords),
• or adjusting articulation (more legato vs. more separated).

What you get

• 2 downloadable files (1.9MB) as listed in the product details.