A Guide to the Trinity College Piano Syllabus (2021 - 2023)


Byrd - Coranto (No. 218 from Fitzwilliam Virginal Book)

How wonderful to have the opportunity to discover some English Renaissance music on Trinity’s Grade 6 syllabus, the Coranto by William Byrd. Originally written for the virginals (a rectangular type of harpsichord), the piece is full of ornaments that were typical of the period. Some knowledge of style is important (putting the ornaments on the beat, developing a non-legato touch, arpeggiation of chords, etc.). Dynamic contrasts may of course be added; pedalling is not necessary.

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