Composer

:

Alfonso Ferrabosco

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1621

Alfonso Ferrabosco's 'Almans (10) for 5 viols' is a collection of ten pieces for five viols, composed in the late 16th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written between 1580 and 1600. The collection was first published in London in 1609. The 'Almans' are a type of dance music that originated in Spain in the 16th century. They were popular throughout Europe and were often used as courtly entertainment. Ferrabosco's 'Almans' are characterized by their lively rhythms and intricate counterpoint. The pieces are written in a variety of keys and feature a range of tempos and moods. The collection is divided into ten movements, each with its own unique character. The first movement, 'Alman I', is a lively dance in triple meter. It features a lively melody that is passed between the different viols. The second movement, 'Alman II', is a slower, more contemplative piece. It features a beautiful melody that is played by the upper viols, while the lower viols provide a rich harmonic accompaniment. The third movement, 'Alman III', is a lively dance in duple meter. It features a playful melody that is passed between the different viols. The fourth movement, 'Alman IV', is a slower, more introspective piece. It features a haunting melody that is played by the upper viols, while the lower viols provide a rich harmonic accompaniment. The fifth movement, 'Alman V', is a lively dance in triple meter. It features a lively melody that is passed between the different viols. The sixth movement, 'Alman VI', is a slower, more contemplative piece. It features a beautiful melody that is played by the upper viols, while the lower viols provide a rich harmonic accompaniment. The seventh movement, 'Alman VII', is a lively dance in duple meter. It features a playful melody that is passed between the different viols. The eighth movement, 'Alman VIII', is a slower, more introspective piece. It features a haunting melody that is played by the upper viols, while the lower viols provide a rich harmonic accompaniment. The ninth movement, 'Alman IX', is a lively dance in triple meter. It features a lively melody that is passed between the different viols. The final movement, 'Alman X', is a slower, more contemplative piece. It features a beautiful melody that is played by the upper viols, while the lower viols provide a rich harmonic accompaniment. Overall, Ferrabosco's 'Almans (10) for 5 viols' is a beautiful collection of dance music that showcases the composer's skill in writing for the viol. The pieces are characterized by their lively rhythms, intricate counterpoint, and beautiful melodies. They are a testament to the rich musical tradition of the late Renaissance period.

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