Composer

:

Giovanni Bassano

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Giovanni Bassano was an Italian composer and cornettist who lived in the 16th century. One of his most famous works is "Oncques amour (after Crecquillon)," a chanson that he arranged for instrumental ensemble. The original chanson was composed by Thomas Crecquillon, a Franco-Flemish composer who lived in the 16th century. Crecquillon was known for his secular chansons, which were popular in the courts of Europe. "Oncques amour" is one of his most famous works, and it tells the story of a lover who is rejected by his beloved. Bassano's arrangement of "Oncques amour" was composed in the late 16th century. It was likely written for a small ensemble of instruments, such as cornetts, sackbuts, and viols. The piece is divided into several movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the original chanson. The first movement of Bassano's arrangement is a lively and rhythmic introduction, which sets the stage for the rest of the piece. The second movement is a slow and mournful lament, which captures the sadness and despair of the rejected lover. The third movement is a lively dance, which represents the lover's attempts to forget his troubles and move on with his life. Throughout the piece, Bassano uses a variety of musical techniques to bring out the emotional content of the original chanson. He employs dissonance and chromaticism to create a sense of tension and conflict, and he uses rhythmic and melodic repetition to emphasize the key themes of the piece. Overall, "Oncques amour (after Crecquillon)" is a beautiful and expressive work that showcases Bassano's skill as a composer and arranger. It is a testament to the enduring popularity of Crecquillon's music, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of early music ensembles today.

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