Anthony St. Pierre has arranged and recorded this famous chaconne, originally for two alto recorders and basso continuo, for AATB recorders. His tenor line fills out the harmony in Purcell’s style, and his variations on the ground are consistent with baroque performance practice. One may play the tenor part on the bass from the alternative part provided. The tessitura lies higher on the bass, allowing for easier projection.
Score, parts, and Play-along audio files are furnished. One file omits both alto parts. The file without the bass opens with a six-beat count-in. Once under way, the bass must maintain a very steady tempo in order to arrive on time for the entries of alto I and tenor in b. 7. For reference, a performance recording is also provided.