Learn to Play Recorder

Engels Nachtegaeltje (The English Nightingale)

  • Develop rapid trill and mordent technique
  • Imitate bird calls with varied articulation

Composer: Jacob van Eyck (c. 1590-1657)

Notes Used: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C (high), D (high), E (high), F (high)

Key: C Major

Form: Theme and Variations with Bird-Song Imitations

Theme

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 4 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 4 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 4 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 4 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 4 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 4 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439

Variation 1 - Bird Calls

Snap each trill figure quickly, like a bird call.

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439

Variation 2 - Rapid Figurations

Work the runs up slowly until they stay even at speed.

Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 2 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 3 Engraved by Verovio 6.2.1-8d42439 3

Performance Practice Notes

  • Tempo: Flexible, following bird-song rhythm
  • Ornamentation: Add trills, mordents, and rapid turns freely
  • Articulation: Vary tonguing to differentiate the calls

Performance Goal: Play both variations so each trill and turn sounds like a distinct bird call, crisp and even at speed.