Composer

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Bernardo Pasquini

Genre

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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1:55

Bernardo Pasquini was an Italian composer, harpsichordist, and organist of the Baroque era. He was born in 1637 in Tuscany and died in 1710 in Rome. Pasquini was a prolific composer, and his works include operas, cantatas, oratorios, and instrumental music. One of his most famous works is the Passagagli in C major, Cekm 67 (Per Petronilla). The Passagagli in C major was composed by Pasquini in the late 17th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written around 1680. The piece is a passacaglia, which is a musical form that features a repeating bass line or chord progression. In the case of the Passagagli in C major, the bass line is a descending chromatic scale. The Passagagli in C major is a single-movement work that lasts approximately six minutes. The piece is written for harpsichord and is characterized by its virtuosic keyboard writing. The piece begins with a simple statement of the bass line, which is then elaborated upon with increasingly complex and ornate variations. The variations explore different harmonies and textures, and the piece builds to a climax before returning to a more subdued version of the opening theme. One of the unique features of the Passagagli in C major is its dedication to Petronilla, which is believed to be a reference to Pasquini's daughter. This dedication is unusual for a passacaglia, which is typically a more abstract form of music. The dedication suggests that the piece may have been intended as a personal tribute to Pasquini's daughter. Overall, the Passagagli in C major is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases Pasquini's skill as a composer and keyboardist. Its use of the passacaglia form and its dedication to Petronilla make it a unique and memorable piece in the Baroque repertoire.

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