The Fairy Masque (V1) — Recorder Quartet (SSAB) Sheet Music (PDF) | Keys: C–F | Robert Johnson

The Fairy Masque — V1
Keys: C–F
Instrumentation / Arrangement: Recorder Quartet (SSAB: 2 Soprano, Alto, Bass)
Composer: Robert Johnson (c. 1583–1633)
Period: Early Baroque
Region / Culture: English
Type: Instrumental
Format: Digital download (PDF) — 2 files (2.6MB)

About the piece

The Fairy Masque is an Early Baroque English instrumental attributed to Robert Johnson, an English composer and lutenist associated with late Tudor / early Jacobean theatre and court music.
This V1 edition is arranged for recorder quartet SSAB, a classic consort setup that works beautifully for rehearsals, teaching groups, and small performances—especially if you want a full consort texture without keyboard.

Practical ensemble tips (SSAB)

• Blend is everything: match articulation and tone color between the two soprano parts; keep the alto as the “glue” voice.
• Bass recorder = foundation: aim for steady pitch and an even airflow—don’t force volume; let resonance do the work.
• Tuning strategy: tune to the bass and alto first; sopranos adjust to the inner voices (this usually stabilizes the whole sonority).
• Phrasing: masque-style writing often benefits from dance-like flow—shape 4–8 bar arcs and keep the pulse buoyant.

What you receive

• 2 digital files (2.6MB) as listed on the product page.