A Hornepype (Renaissance Masterpiece?)

Hugh Aston was an English composer of the early Tudor period. He was not only known for his music, but also served as a mayor, a British MP and an alderman.

Aston, who grew up before the English Reformation, composed a variety of church vocal music, including several masses. It is assumed that he wrote a number of keyboard works too, however this “Hornepype” is his only work with certain attribution.

This piece, composed in 1522, is actually the first known use of the word “Hornpipe” in the English language. A hornpipe is a type of dance that probably originated on sailing vessels in the 16th century. I have absolutely no idea how this piece may have been performed in that time, but I hope my rendition with swift tempi proves to be exciting enough.