R$30
Tourdion – Soprano Recorder Duet
Composer credit: Anonymous
First publication: Paris, 1530
Publisher: Pierre Attaingnant (1494–1552)
Key / tonal center: A minor
Time signature: 3/4
Arrangement: Soprano Recorder Duet + Chords
Arranger / Edition: Maiko Thomé de Araujo
Period: Renaissance – 16th century
Region / Culture: France / French Renaissance
Type: Renaissance song / instrumental duet arrangement
Special features: two independent soprano recorder voices, chord symbols, compact one-page ensemble score and reference MP3
Format: Digital download (PDF + MP3) — 2 files (2.2MB)
Musical material: 1 useful page of sheet music
“Tourdion” is one of the best-known melodies associated with the French Renaissance.
The piece is anonymous and was first published in Paris in 1530 by Pierre Attaingnant, one of the most important early French music printers. Attaingnant should therefore be understood as the publisher of the historical source rather than the composer.
Historically, the word tourdion refers to a lively Renaissance dance related to the galliard and characterized by a light triple-meter movement. The famous melody later became strongly associated with the French vocal tradition as well, especially through versions linked with “Quand je bois du vin clairet.”
Its short phrases, clear rhythm and memorable melodic profile make it particularly effective for recorder ensembles and early-music programs.
This arrangement by Maiko Thomé de Araujo presents Tourdion for two soprano recorders, with both instruments carrying independent musical material rather than simply doubling the same melody.
The compact duet texture makes the edition practical for:
The two parts alternate between melodic and supporting roles, creating a fuller result than a single-line version while remaining accessible and easy to rehearse from a single score.
The score also includes chord symbols, providing a useful harmonic reference beyond the two written recorder lines.
The chords may be used for:
This makes the edition flexible for both a simple recorder duet and a richer Renaissance-inspired arrangement.
Keep the rhythm light, lively and dance-like, with clear articulation but without making the pulse heavy. The two recorder players should match tonguing and phrase endings closely while preserving the independence of their lines. A slightly buoyant articulation works especially well for the Renaissance character of the piece.
Especially suitable for soprano recorder duos, early-music students, Renaissance ensembles, teachers, school performances and medieval/Renaissance-themed programs. It is also useful for developing ensemble timing, independent-part reading, articulation and tuning between two recorders.