“Saltarello” is an up-tempo Italian dance from the early Renaissance, 15th century. This piece can be played at Level 2 using a fixed-finger position or Level 3 alternating im. This is also a very good piece to teach alternation because of the repetition of alternation on one string seen in part 2 measures 1-8. The melody in “Saltarello” gets passed around the entire ensemble at the ends of phrases. Begin by teaching the whole class Part 2 mm. 1-8, Part 1 mm. 17-24, and Part 3 mm. 9-16 to get the feel of the style of the piece.

Cultural/Historical Context:
The word “Saltarello” comes from the Italian word meaning, “to jump”. The form was first noted in very early 14th century Naples.