Composer

:

Francesco Canova da Milano

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Fantasy

Average_duration

:

1:59

Fantasia No. 5 is a composition for solo lute by Francesco Canova da Milano, an Italian composer and lutenist of the Renaissance era. 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 considered a masterpiece of the lute repertoire. The premiere of Fantasia No. 5 is also unknown, but it is likely that da Milano performed it himself during his lifetime. The piece has since been performed and recorded by many lutenists, including Paul O'Dette and Hopkinson Smith. Fantasia No. 5 is a single-movement work 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 divisions into sections or movements. The piece is marked by its use of complex counterpoint and rapid arpeggios, which require great technical skill from the performer. The piece begins with a slow and melancholic introduction, which sets the mood for the rest of the work. The main body of the piece is characterized by its fast and intricate passages, which are interspersed with moments of calm and reflection. The piece ends with a return to the slow and melancholic mood of the introduction, bringing the work to a contemplative close. Overall, Fantasia No. 5 is a masterful work that showcases da Milano's skill as a composer and lutenist. Its intricate and virtuosic writing for the lute has made it a favorite among performers and audiences alike, and it remains a staple of the lute repertoire to this day.

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