Composer

:

Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger

Genre

:

Vocal

Publication Date

:

1619

Average_duration

:

5:44

Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger was a German-Italian composer and lutenist of the early Baroque period. He was born in Venice in 1580 and died in Rome in 1651. One of his most famous works is "L'onda che limpida," which is part of his "Libro secundo di villanelle" (Second Book of Villanelles). The "Libro secundo di villanelle" was published in Rome in 1619 and contains 20 villanelles for one or two voices and continuo. The villanelle was a popular Italian song form in the 16th and 17th centuries, characterized by a simple melody and a refrain. Kapsberger's villanelles are notable for their use of chromaticism and dissonance, which was unusual for the time. "L'onda che limpida" is the third villanelle in the collection and is written for two voices and continuo. It is in the key of G minor and has a slow, flowing tempo. The text of the villanelle describes a clear, sparkling wave and the emotions it evokes in the speaker. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a recitative, in which the two voices alternate in a declamatory style, setting the scene and describing the wave. The second movement is an aria, in which the two voices sing together in a more melodic style, expressing the speaker's emotions. The third movement is a short coda, in which the two voices repeat the opening lines of the villanelle. The characteristics of "L'onda che limpida" and Kapsberger's other villanelles include the use of chromaticism and dissonance, as well as a focus on the text and its emotional content. The villanelles are also notable for their use of the continuo, which provides a harmonic foundation for the voices and allows for greater flexibility in the interpretation of the music. "L'onda che limpida" premiered in Rome in 1619, along with the other villanelles in the "Libro secundo di villanelle." The collection was well-received and helped to establish Kapsberger as one of the leading composers of his time. Today, his villanelles are still performed and admired for their beauty and innovation.

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