Milan, Luis de
1500-a1561
Spain, Valencia

Background
Luis Milan was born around 1500 in Valencia, Spain, where he became a well-known court musician and poet. He performed on and composed for the vihuela, an ancestor of the guitar. The vihuela has six courses of strings and was one of the most popular instruments in the 18th century Spain.

Music
In 1536, he published his most important work, 'Libro de musica de vihuela de mano intitulado El Maestro.' This work is the earliest known example of Spanish tablature in print. 'El Maestro' contains forty fantasies, four preludes, six pavanas, six Christmas carols for vihuela and voice, four old romances and six sonnets. Milan died around 1541 in Valencia.
My piece, Pavana I was written for the vihuela. It is set in cut common time(two half notes to a bar) and both starts and finishes in the key of A major. It was written in the renaissance (1450-1650) but the precise year is unknown. It does not retain any true form so it is referred to as “free form” The name Pavana means that it is a 16-17th century stately dance. Often paved with a galliard.
His instructions state that the pavan should be played with the measure somewhat dast. He also indicates that the complete piece may be repeated once or twice, but this dosent need to be carried out. The recommended tempo that should be used is about 152

-edited by Danthorg Naradur

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