Maÿerin
German work
Definition
A popular tune of the 17th century, sometimes translated 'the farmer's wife' or 'the May dance.' Froberger's Partita auff die Maÿerin (FbWV 606) is his only set of keyboard variations on a popular melody — an unusual departure from his usual contrapuntal forms.
Interpretive Guidance
The Maÿerin tune should be clearly audible at the top of each variation, however elaborately ornamented. Froberger's variations layer figuration around the melody rather than transforming its harmonic identity — keep the tune singing above the embellishments.