Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

ca. 1615

Death

:

ca. 1682

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Angelo Michele Bartolotti was a prominent Italian composer and lutenist of the Baroque era. He was born in Bologna, Italy, in 1615, and little is known about his early life and education. However, it is believed that he received his musical training in Bologna, which was a thriving center of music during the Baroque period. Bartolotti's career as a musician began in the mid-1630s when he was appointed as a lutenist at the court of the Duke of Modena. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled performer and composer, and his music was highly regarded by his contemporaries. In addition to his work at the court, Bartolotti also performed in various other venues, including churches and private homes. Bartolotti's compositions were primarily for the lute, which was a popular instrument during the Baroque period. His music was characterized by its virtuosity and technical complexity, and he was known for his skillful use of counterpoint and harmony. Bartolotti's works were also notable for their expressive qualities, which were achieved through the use of ornamentation and other musical devices. One of Bartolotti's most famous works is his collection of lute pieces entitled "Libro primo di chitarra spagnola" (First Book of Spanish Guitar). This collection, which was published in 1640, contains 23 pieces for solo lute, including preludes, dances, and variations. The pieces in this collection are notable for their technical difficulty and their use of Spanish and Italian musical idioms. Another important work by Bartolotti is his "Varii scherzi di sonate" (Various Sonatas and Scherzos), which was published in 1655. This collection contains 12 pieces for solo lute, including sonatas, toccatas, and other forms. The pieces in this collection are notable for their virtuosity and their use of complex counterpoint and harmony. Bartolotti's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading lutenists and composers of his time. His works were widely performed and published, and they influenced many other composers of the Baroque era. However, after his death in 1682, Bartolotti's music fell into obscurity, and it was not until the 20th century that his works were rediscovered and performed again. Today, Bartolotti's music is recognized as an important contribution to the Baroque repertoire, and his works are performed and recorded by lutenists and other musicians around the world. His music continues to be admired for its technical virtuosity, expressive qualities, and its contribution to the development of the lute as a solo instrument.

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