A selection of dances from the celebrated manual published by John Playford (1623-1686) in 1651 arranged by Cecil Sharp. Playford’s book, which contains both melodies and instructions for dance movements, remains popular to this day

1.   Parson's Farewell from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Parson's Farewell from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

2.   Upon a Summer's Day (from Playford's English Dancing Master)

John Playford (1623–1686/7) was a publisher and occasional composer who is today best remembered for his book 'The English Dancing Master' (1651). It is a collection of country dance tunes together with dance instructions. The first volume was made to be physically small so that dancers could hide the fact that they were cribbing from it. The book became extremely popular, eventually being expanded to 3 volumes, with the 18th and final edition published in 1728. 'Upon a Summer's Day' is one of the most popular dances from the collection, still performed and played today.

Upon a Summer's Day (from Playford's English Dancing Master)

3.   The Black Nag from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

The Black Nag from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

4.   Prince Rupert's March from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Prince Rupert's March from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

5.   Newcastle from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Newcastle from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

6.   Sellenger's Round from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Sellenger's Round from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

7.   Gathering Peascods from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Gathering Peascods from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

8.   Mr Beveridge's Maggot from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Mr Beveridge's Maggot from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

9.   Grimstock from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Grimstock from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

10.   Jenny Pluck Pears, from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'

Jenny Pluck Pears, from John Playford's 'Dancing Master'