Lesson 72: Van Eyck Variations, Part 2 — Engels Nachtegaeltje

Shape the repeated calls in Engels Nachtegaeltje.
Keep dotted rhythms precise through its changing registers.

Give each call a clear answer.

The English nightingale, No. 27, has three variations, called modos. Its original soprano range is C4–A5; the alto reading is a fourth higher. Its character comes from repeated calls and quick register changes.

Play: complete first strain, then division openings

Play the dotted opening first, then each variation opening at the same beat speed.

Exact excerpts from Cayo Gomes’s 2024 CC0 edition, checked against the 1649 print; original pitches, alto a fourth higher.

Practise the calls

Repeat one call slowly until each note starts clearly, then join it to the next call without shortening the long notes.

Now play these

Engels Nachtegaeltje — complete: All three complete modos and endings.
Doen Daphne — complete: A contrasting triple-metre division set.
Pavaen Lachrymae — complete: Three lamenting strains and their divisions.

When the complete set’s calls stay distinct and its final notes retain full tone, continue to Lesson 73.