Composer

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Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger

Genre

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Vocal

Style

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Vocal Music

Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger was an Italian composer and lutenist of German descent who lived from 1580 to 1651. He was a prolific composer of instrumental music, particularly for the lute, and his works were highly regarded during his lifetime. One of his most famous compositions is "Senso fallace," a suite of dances for solo lute. "Senso fallace" was composed in the early 17th century, although the exact date is unknown. It was likely written for Kapsberger's own use as a performer, as he was known to be an accomplished lutenist. The suite consists of six movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "Preludio," is a slow and stately introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the suite. It features a series of arpeggios and chords that showcase the lute's rich and resonant sound. The second movement, "Corrente," is a lively dance in triple meter that is characterized by its fast and intricate fingerwork. It is followed by the third movement, "Ballo," which is a slower and more graceful dance in duple meter. The fourth movement, "Gagliarda," is a lively and energetic dance in triple meter that features a series of rapid-fire arpeggios and runs. It is followed by the fifth movement, "Sarabanda," which is a slow and mournful dance in triple meter that is characterized by its expressive and melancholy melody. The final movement, "Passacaglia," is a virtuosic tour-de-force that showcases Kapsberger's skill as a performer. It is a set of variations on a repeating bass line, and each variation features increasingly complex and elaborate ornamentation. Overall, "Senso fallace" is a masterful example of Kapsberger's skill as a composer and performer. It is a suite of dances that showcases the lute's versatility and expressive range, and it remains a popular and beloved work in the lute repertoire to this day.

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