Tylman Susato (also spelled Tielman or Tielmann), who lived from c. 1500 to c. 1561, was a Flemish composer, instrumentalist, and music publisher.
The first mention of Susato can be found around 1530, in various Antwerp archives. In that period, he was working as a calligrapher and musician. At the beginning of the 1540s, he established a music publishing company in Antwerp. Susato issued chansons, motets, and masses by composers like Josquin des Prés, Orlandus Lassus, and Clément Janequin. He also composed and arranged music himself.
In 1551, he published three ‘musyckboexkens’. The third ‘musyckboexken’ was Danserye, a collection of dances, most likely arranged by Susato in four-part settings.
The theme ‘Mohrentanz’ (La Mourisque), which has been used for Susato Variations, was taken from the above-mentioned volume Danserye. Following the opening theme, in which I allowed myself a few small liberties, you will hear three variations.
