Composer

:

Giles Farnaby

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1590

Average_duration

:

2:51

Giles Farnaby was an English composer and virginalist who lived from 1563 to 1640. He was known for his keyboard music, which was popular during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras. One of his most famous works is "A Maske," which was composed in the late 16th century. "A Maske" is a collection of keyboard pieces that were intended to be played during a masque, which was a type of entertainment that was popular in the courts of England during the 16th and 17th centuries. Masques were elaborate performances that combined music, dance, and drama, and they were often performed for royalty and other members of the aristocracy. The exact date of composition for "A Maske" is not known, but it is believed to have been written in the late 16th century. The work consists of several movements, each of which is named after a different character or theme from the masque. The first movement, "The Old Spagnoletta," is a lively dance that features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm. The second movement, "His Rest," is a slower, more contemplative piece that features a beautiful melody and intricate harmonies. The third movement, "The New Sa-hoo," is a fast and lively dance that features a complex rhythm and intricate ornamentation. The fourth movement, "The Lachrimae Pavan," is a slow and mournful piece that features a haunting melody and rich harmonies. The fifth movement, "The Queen's Treble," is a lively dance that features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm. The final movement, "The Quadro Pavin," is a stately dance that features a majestic melody and rich harmonies. Overall, "A Maske" is a beautiful and intricate work that showcases Farnaby's skill as a composer and virginalist. Its lively dances, haunting melodies, and intricate harmonies make it a popular choice for keyboard players and lovers of early music alike.

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