For the Reader

...who provide tablatures cifras Spanish "cifras" refers to musical tablature, a system of notation using numbers or symbols rather than standard notes on a staff that are sold or merely pleasing; it is not the best Music they know. That which they consider good, they reserve for themselves. Some of the tablatures I have seen do not deserve the name of Music. The player tañedor who knows how to place their hands on the organ, vihuela, and other instruments should understand these books and transcribe cifre The process of "cifrar" involved arranging polyphonic vocal music for an instrument good music, and they will recognize in a short time the utility and benefit that comes from understanding them. Some deceive themselves by saying that music written in tablature, or that which players give with "good air" The "aire" refers to the rhythmic vitality, grace, and stylistic elegance of a performance and elegance, is lacking in the written notation original: "puntada," referring to formal mensural notation. Believe those with experience: the good music of these times does not lack "good air," and when it is transcribed into tablature or set upon the monochord as it is, it does not lose it. Once persuaded of this, if beginning players had their ears trained to the Music of our time, they would consider the money they give for tablatures as lost, and even that which they spend on ignorant original: "barbaros," meaning uncultured or lacking proper theoretical knowledge teachers; instead, they would labor to understand these books in order to play good music. Let no one be astonished by the effort and difficulty, which in truth is small, while the reward is excessive. Until today, musical instruments have been understood by those who know little—not because of the difficulty, but because the wise have not wished to make them understood. Read any of my books once, even if you do not understand it; and later you will understand it bit by bit. What you do not understand in one book, you will find clearly explained in another. Have patience, endurance, and perseverance: for they are written in a style that will allow themselves to be understood by the skillful and the persistent. The ultimate goal I intend in my books is that, by understanding the instruments, players may know how to transcribe or set polyphony canto de organo Measured polyphonic music, as opposed to plainchant upon them. And all the means necessary for this end you will find in my books. Thus, knowing how to place one's hands—each on their own instrument—let the player take as their teacher their own ability, practice, and these books; with these three things, one can become a consummate musician. It is no small light to show the way to one who desires to be wise. There were other things of which it was necessary to give warning, and I left them out on purpose until the point where they were needed.

I pray to our immense God, that in proportion and harmony with the desire I have to serve Him in this work, He may, through His infinite mercy, bring forth fruit and benefit for my neighbors. Amen.