Composer

:

Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

4:27

Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger was an Italian composer and lutenist of German descent who lived during the Baroque period. He was known for his innovative and virtuosic compositions for the lute, theorbo, and guitar. One of his most famous works is the "Ballo Secondo," a dance suite for solo theorbo. The "Ballo Secondo" was composed in the early 17th century and was first published in Kapsberger's collection of music for the theorbo, titled "Libro Quarto d'Intavolatura di Chitarone." The piece consists of six movements, each of which is a different type of dance. The first movement is a "Corrente," a fast and lively dance in triple meter. It is characterized by its driving rhythm and intricate melodic lines. The second movement is a "Gagliarda," a more stately dance in duple meter. It features a strong, steady beat and a simple, repetitive melody. The third movement is a "Balletto," a dance in triple meter that is similar to the corrente but with a more graceful and flowing character. The fourth movement is a "Passacaglia," a slow and solemn dance in triple meter that is built around a repeating bass line. It is one of the most famous movements of the suite and is known for its haunting beauty. The fifth movement is a "Ciaccona," a lively dance in triple meter that is characterized by its driving rhythm and virtuosic flourishes. The final movement is a "Gavotta," a fast and lively dance in duple meter that is similar to the galliard but with a more playful character. Overall, the "Ballo Secondo" is a masterful example of Kapsberger's skill as a composer and his ability to create intricate and virtuosic music for the theorbo. Its six movements showcase a wide range of dance styles and moods, from the lively and energetic to the slow and contemplative. It remains a popular and beloved work in the repertoire of Baroque music.

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