Composer

:

Francesco Canova da Milano

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Fantasy

Average_duration

:

2:30

Fantasia No. 21 is a solo lute piece composed by Francesco Canova da Milano, an Italian Renaissance composer and lutenist. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the mid-16th century. The piece is one of the most famous works by da Milano and is often performed by lutenists today. The premiere of Fantasia No. 21 is also unknown, but it is likely that da Milano performed it himself during his lifetime. The piece was published in his collection of lute music, Il Divino, which was printed in Venice in 1536. The collection contains 74 pieces, including fantasias, ricercars, and dances, and is considered one of the most important sources of lute music from the Renaissance period. Fantasia No. 21 is a single-movement piece that is characterized by its intricate and virtuosic writing for the lute. The piece is in the key of D minor and is written in a free-form style, with no clear structure or repeating sections. The piece begins with a slow and melancholic introduction, which is followed by a series of fast and complex passages that showcase the lute's technical capabilities. The piece ends with a return to the slow and introspective mood of the opening. The piece is notable for its use of ornamentation, which was a common feature of Renaissance lute music. Da Milano employs a variety of trills, mordents, and other embellishments throughout the piece, which add to its expressive and improvisatory character. The piece also features a number of unusual chord progressions and harmonies, which were innovative for their time and demonstrate da Milano's skill as a composer. Overall, Fantasia No. 21 is a masterpiece of Renaissance lute music and a testament to da Milano's skill as a composer and performer. Its intricate and virtuosic writing for the lute, combined with its expressive and improvisatory character, make it a favorite among lutenists and fans of early music alike.

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