Ignatius Sancho - Minuet 9

Minuet 9

This is one of the minuets written by Igantius Sancho “Africanus”, or “An African”, as was noted in his day. He was born a slave, but lived free in England. He corresponded with the big names of his day, and, as an independent property owner, is the first Black Briton known to have voted for members of Parliament. His posthumously published letters are a very early example of writings about slavery by a former slave.

This particular minuet appealed to me because of its wide-ranging melody. (Yes, the alto has to hit a high F#.) I made the harmonies a little more adventurous than they are in the original.

For now this piece is only available as a freebie for my Patreon supporters.