Composer

:

Claudio Merulo

Genre

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

2:36

La Rolanda is a composition for keyboard by Claudio Merulo, an Italian composer and organist of the late Renaissance period. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, and its premiere date is unknown. La Rolanda is a set of variations on a popular dance tune of the time, which was also known as "La Rotta" or "La Manfredina." The piece consists of six movements, each of which is a variation on the original theme. The variations are characterized by their virtuosic keyboard writing, with fast runs, trills, and ornamentation. The first movement is a simple statement of the theme, followed by a second movement that features a more elaborate version of the theme with added ornamentation. The third movement is a lively dance in triple meter, while the fourth movement is a slower, more contemplative variation. The fifth movement is a virtuosic display of keyboard technique, with fast runs and trills, while the final movement is a grand finale that brings the piece to a rousing conclusion. Overall, La Rolanda is a showcase of Merulo's keyboard writing skills, with its intricate ornamentation and virtuosic passages. The piece is also an example of the popular dance music of the late Renaissance period, with its use of a popular dance tune as the basis for the variations.

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