Schiarazula Marazula – Recorder Quartet (PDF) – G minor – Giorgio Mainerio

Schiarazula Marazula
Key: G minor
Instrumentation / Arrangement: Recorder quartet (4-part recorder consort)
Composer: Giorgio Mainerio (1535–1582)
Period: Renaissance
Region / Culture: Italy
Type: Dance
Format: Digital download (PDF) — 2 files (4.4MB)

About the piece

“Schiarazula Marazula” is one of the best-known Italian Renaissance dances, preserved in Giorgio Mainerio’s influential collection Il Primo Libro de Balli (first published in Venice, 1578).
It’s a fantastic choice for recorder consort because the music naturally supports tight ensemble coordination: clear pulse, repeat-friendly structure, and strong modal color—perfect for building a confident, resonant consort sound.

Why it works so well for recorder quartet

This arrangement is ideal for:

• recorder consort / quartet rehearsals (blend, tuning, balance)
• ensemble classes (easy to rehearse in sections, rewarding when assembled)
• short concert sets with Renaissance/early dance repertoire
• improving intonation through sustained cadences and repeated patterns

Practical consort tips

• Tune from the inside out: lock the inner voices first, then fit the upper voice on top and the bass as foundation.
• Dance articulation: keep tonguing light and buoyant—clean attacks, but not aggressive.
• Balance: aim for a “choir” sound—no single part dominating unless the line clearly carries the melody.

What you receive

• 2 digital files (4.4MB) as listed on the product page.