R$30
Tourdion – Alto Recorder Duet
Composer credit: Anonymous
First publication: Paris, 1530
Publisher: Pierre Attaingnant (1494–1552)
Key: D minor
Time signature: 3/4
Arrangement: 2 Alto Recorders + Chords — also playable by 2 Sopranino Recorders
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 recorder voices, chord symbols, F-recorder-compatible writing 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 published in Paris in 1530 by Pierre Attaingnant, an important French music printer of the early 16th century. Attaingnant is therefore identified as the publisher of the historical source rather than the composer.
Historically, the tourdion was a lively Renaissance dance in triple meter, and this familiar melody also became associated with the French song “Quand je bois du vin clairet.” Its concise form, memorable rhythm and clear melodic character make it particularly effective for recorder and early-music ensembles.
This arrangement by Maiko Thomé de Araujo presents Tourdion in D minor for two Alto Recorders, with independent upper and lower voices rather than simple unison doubling.
The duet creates a compact chamber texture while the included chord symbols provide a harmonic framework for optional accompaniment.
Because alto recorder and sopranino recorder share the F-recorder fingering system, the same score may also be performed by two Sopranino Recorders, producing a brighter result one octave higher.
The chord symbols allow the duet to be expanded with instruments such as:
They are also useful for harmonic study, arranging and rehearsal.
Keep the 3/4 pulse light, buoyant and dance-like, with clear but not overly heavy tonguing. The two recorder players should match articulation and phrase endings while keeping both independent lines audible. On alto recorder, favor a warm and centered tone; on sopranino, control the brighter register so the ensemble remains balanced.
Especially suitable for alto recorder duos, sopranino players, Renaissance and early-music programs, recorder lessons, student ensembles and medieval/Renaissance-themed performances. It is also useful for developing ensemble intonation, independent-part reading, articulation and rhythmic coordination.