Composer

:

Giovanni Picchi

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

1:58

Giovanni Picchi was an Italian composer and organist who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He is best known for his keyboard music, particularly his collection of dances for harpsichord, entitled "Balli d'Arpicordo, Ballo ditto il Picchi." The collection was composed in Venice in 1621 and was dedicated to the Venetian nobleman, Giovanni Battista Cornaro. It consists of 24 dances, divided into three sections or "movements." The first movement contains 10 dances, the second contains 8, and the third contains 6. The dances in the collection are all written in the style of the time, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody. They are all relatively short, with most lasting only a few minutes. The dances are also quite varied in character, ranging from lively and energetic to slow and stately. One of the most notable features of the collection is its use of the harpsichord as the primary instrument. This was a relatively new development at the time, as the harpsichord had only recently become popular in Italy. Picchi takes full advantage of the instrument's capabilities, using its bright, percussive sound to great effect. Another notable feature of the collection is its use of dance forms. Each of the dances is named after a specific type of dance, such as the "Gagliarda" or the "Corrente." These dance forms were popular in Italy at the time and were often used as the basis for instrumental music. Overall, "Balli d'Arpicordo, Ballo ditto il Picchi" is a charming and engaging collection of dances that showcases the talents of one of Italy's most talented keyboard composers. Its lively rhythms, catchy melodies, and inventive use of the harpsichord make it a must-hear for anyone interested in early Baroque music.

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