Composer

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Claudio Merulo

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Toccata

Claudio Merulo's 'Toccate d'intavolatura d'organo, Book 1' is a collection of keyboard music that was published in 1598. The work is divided into three sections, each containing several toccatas. The first section consists of six toccatas, the second section has five, and the third section has four. The toccatas in this collection are characterized by their virtuosic keyboard writing, which showcases the technical abilities of the performer. They are also notable for their use of chromaticism and dissonance, which was a relatively new development in keyboard music at the time. The first section of the collection begins with a toccata in G major, which features a lively and energetic opening section followed by a more contemplative middle section. The second toccata in the collection, in C major, is notable for its use of syncopation and its lively, dance-like character. The second section of the collection begins with a toccata in F major, which features a lively and virtuosic opening section followed by a more lyrical middle section. The fourth toccata in the collection, in D minor, is notable for its use of chromaticism and its dramatic character. The third and final section of the collection begins with a toccata in A minor, which features a slow and contemplative opening section followed by a more lively and virtuosic middle section. The final toccata in the collection, in G minor, is notable for its use of dissonance and its dramatic character. Overall, Claudio Merulo's 'Toccate d'intavolatura d'organo, Book 1' is a significant work in the development of keyboard music in the late Renaissance period. Its virtuosic keyboard writing, use of chromaticism and dissonance, and lively and dramatic character make it a challenging and rewarding work for performers and listeners alike.

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