Alba Novella (New Dawn)
Balletto
In Praise of the Most Serene Lady
The Lady Bianca Cappello de' Medici
Grand Duchess of Tuscany
Since that to suffice in the preceding rules of the first part
we have stated yet the names, and the effects of all the acts and
movements which are expected of the men and of the women in the use of
the Balli, as also the manners, which to both come together in the
same; it would rest now in this second treatise to give beginning of
teaching how said Balli are able to learn most easily. I say
therefore, that wishing one to do the present Balletto, has to know
that it is divided in 5 times: 4 of which are demanded grave, and the
fifth is expected to the sciolta of the sonata: Therefore in the first
time the man and the lady have (standing them facing the one to the
other, as is demonstrated in the preceding picture) to do the Riverenza
grave with the left foot, and after that, 2 Continenze grave, 1 with
the left foot to the left side, and the other with the right foot to
the right side; the which gracefully done, they will do 2 Puntate, the
one forward, and the other back; and 2 Seguiti flanked, the one to the
left flank, the other to the right; after these, they will do 2 Seguiti
turned to the left, in the end of which is had to bend the knees a
little, as they will find the feet, that is, the left back, and the
right forward: Then with the same left foot, they will start to do
another 2 Seguiti turned to the right, without bending the knees, as
yet is done of above; and said 2 Seguiti turned to the one and to the
other hand, have to do it as is done the turns of the ballo called Contrapasso; The which done, facing are
done 2 Seguiti spezzati back flanking, starting it with the left foot,
and 3 Riprese with the left flank forward; then 2 other Seguiti
spezzati starting it with the right foot, doing them with the same
back; and 3 other Riprese with the right flank forward.
In the second time, the man takes the lady by the left hand, and
walking together, are done 2 Puntate grave, 2 Passi, and 1 Seguito,
starting it with the left foot: the same is done starting it with the
right foot: and letting go the hand, are done the same turns of the
Contrapasso, as I have said above.
Facing are done the previously
said 2 Seguiti spezzati flanked back with the 3 Riprese with the left
flank inward; the same is done starting it with the right foot, as of
above.
In the third time, the right hand is taken, and are done 2 Puntate
grave, the one with the left foot, the other with the right; then said
hand is let go turning to the left hand with 2 Seguiti, starting with
the left foot, changing place; and finding them again facing at the
final Seguito, are done 2 Puntate grave, the one forward with the left
foot, and the other back with the right, with 2 Seguiti flanked, doing
the abovesaid turns of the Contrapasso,
with the 2 Seguiti spezzati
flanked back, starting it with the left foot, and 3 Riprese with the
left flank forward; then 2 other Seguiti spezzati, starting it with the
right, doing them back similarly, and 3 other Riprese with the right
flank forward.
In the fourth time, they have to take the left hand, and to do the same
which yet is done to the right, then, letting go said hand, they have
to turn to the right hand with the 2 Seguiti ordinarii.
To the Sciolta of the Sonata
Facing they have to do together the Riverenza grave, then by straight
line, 4 Seguiti spezzati, changing place; the final Seguito they have
to turn to the left, and to find them facing again. Forward are
done then 2 Seguiti spezzati flanked, and 3 Trabuchetti gravi starting
with the left foot: then another 2 Seguiti spezzati and 3 Trabuchetti
with the right foot. That done, they have to return to do the
turns of the Contrapasso; and facing 2
Seguiti spezzati flanked back
and 3 Riprese preste with the left flank forward; The same will be done
starting it with the right foot. After the man, returning to take
the lady by the ordinary hand, which is the left hand, has to pause in
the head of the hall, or in the foot, wherever will please them the
most and they will turn most commodiously, doing together the
Riverenza; the which done, not resting you other, that shall be the end
of the Balletto.
Lute Tablature with the music of the Sonata of the Balletto Alba Novella
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