Crossing Robert's Bridge
By Anthony St Pierre November 2025
 
SATB
 
 
The Robertsbridge Codex (c.1360) contains the earliest known pieces for a keyboard instrument. The present work fancifully employs phrases and motifs from the two estampies in this document. The title refers to the "crossing" (or "blending") of medieval and modern harmonic idioms.
--Anthony St Pierre

The Prince Consort performs on the accompanying recording. Duration: ~4 minutes
 
 
Here are two arrangements for SATB based on estampies from the Robertsbridge Codex of c.1360. The medieval sonorities are a refreshing surprise, contrasting well with harmonies more familiar to our modern ears. Parallel fourths, hockets and drones fill the air with a super-early vibe that's a lot of fun to play. A brisk tempo keeps things engaging, but look ahead to the fast patterns in Estampie 2 before settling on an overall tempo.
--Glen Shannon
 
 
No. of Recorder Parts:
4
Difficulty:
Moderate
Occasion:
Any
Libraries:
New Music for Recorder
Date Added:
12/19/2025
Style:
Social/Casual, Concert, Fast/Up-tempo, Tonal/Melodic, Variations/Fantasies/Adaptations