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Artist
John Playford
12+ albums
baroquerenaissanceearly musicenglishdancer
about
John Playford (1623-1686) was an English bookseller and publisher, and is now best-known for his publication of The English Dancing Master, which is often referred to simply as "Playford". Playford was born in Norwich. He served an apprenticeship with th publisher John Benson from 1639/40 to 1647, after which he opened a shop in the porch of Temple Church. He published The English Dancing Master in 1651. The work contains both the music and instructions for English country dances. This came about after Playford, working as a war correspondent in the Civil War, was captured by Cromwell's men and told that, if he valued his freedom (as a sympathiser with the King) he might consider a change of career. Although many of the tunes in the book are attributed to him today, he probably did not write any of them. Most were popular melodies that had existed for years. Playford died in London. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.
top songs
1
The English Dance Master, Vol. 1: Parson's farewell
14,5582An Italian Rant
3,4753The English Dancing Master, Vol. 1: Parson's farewell
3,3034The English Dancing Master: An Italian Rant in G Minor
1,3535Faronell's Division
1,2466The English Dancing Master: Parson's farewell
1,1117The Mulberry Garden
9288The English Dance Master, Vol. 1: The Beggar Boy
8729A Trip to Killburn
78610The Dancing Master: Hyde Park
733albums
Playford, J.: Tunes and Their Ballads (A Trip To Killburn)
John Playford: Popular Tunes in 17th Century England
The English Dancing Master
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The Alehouse Sessions
Country Capers: Music from Playford's The English Dancing Master
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Altre Follie
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Under the Birchwood Tree
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Arbeau & Playford: Danses Populaires Françaises
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Altre Follie (1500-1750)
Playford: The English Dance Master (Excerpts)
Gut Wind and Wire
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Christmas Music (Bright Day Star - Music for the Yuletide Season)