Date:
Early 16th century (circa 1500s)
Description:
“Hoyda, Hoyda, Jolly Rutterkin” is a spirited English Renaissance song, attributed to William Cornysh. The piece exemplifies the jovial and rhythmic character of early 16th-century English music, often associated with courtly entertainments and masques.
Discussion:
The song’s repetitive “Hoyda” refrain and catchy melody suggest it was designed for communal singing and dancing. Its structure and rhythm align with the characteristics of a branle—a popular Renaissance dance form involving side-to-side movements. The term “Rutterkin” was a colloquialism for a swaggering fellow, adding a playful narrative to the piece.
Composer:
William Cornysh (1465–1523)
Arranged by:
Various modern arrangements exist, including performances by early music ensembles such as Sirinu and the New York Ensemble of Early Music.
Sheet Music:
Available in collections of English Renaissance music and anthologies featuring works by William Cornysh.
The arrangement we use is available here as a pdf, mus or musescore file
Parts:
Typically arranged for three or more voices, with optional instrumental accompaniment suitable for lutes, viols, or recorders.
Type:
Renaissance song, suitable for dance (branle)
Language:
English
Ranges:
Suitable for Soprano, Alto, and Tenor voices; adaptable for various vocal ranges.
Advice for beginners:
Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm to capture the dance-like quality of the piece. Emphasize clear diction to convey the playful lyrics effectively. Practicing in a group setting can enhance the communal aspect inherent in the song’s design.
Sound Files:
Here are some sound files for reference. All parts, alto 1, alto 2, tenor