the One-Arméd Man

 

the One-Arméd Man  sample sheet music page

mp3 sample

NOTES:

A little on the tongue-in cheek side, this theme & variations piece for harpsichord emulates the style of the English Virginalists of the mid to late Renaissance.  The term “virginal” for the “plucked” keyboard instrument has been attributed to the “virginal” Queen Elizabeth the First, an evidently expert player!  In fact, there are candid and even inspired remarks on her playing by her tutor and Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, the Roman Catholic William Byrd.  He is sometimes considered the “Bach” of the English Renaissance, a flattery which is highly warranted.  A favorite form of the English Virginalists is the fantastical variation form based on venerable religious or beloved folk tunes.

The secular song (originally a martial trumpet song or street cry?) L’Homme Armé dates from the 14th Century in France.  It became well-known in Europe, and remained popular throughout the 15th Century, even serving as Cantus Firmus (or basis tune) for many famous Masses written by the French and Italian Composers well into the 17th Century .  The compelling meter, harmonic opportunities and jaunty rhythm all conspire make the song irresistible to the lover of variation song.  Although unlikely L’Homme Armé would have been widely known in England, Richard took the liberty to set the tune in the fashion of the Virginalists.