Composer

:

Giovanni Bassano

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Ricercar

Average_duration

:

4:18

Giovanni Bassano was an Italian composer and cornettist who lived from 1558 to 1617. He was a member of the Bassano family, a prominent musical family in Venice during the Renaissance and early Baroque periods. One of his most famous works is the "Ricercata sesta," a piece for cornetto and basso continuo. The "Ricercata sesta" was composed in the late 16th century, although the exact date is unknown. It is believed to have been written for the cornetto, a wind instrument that was popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The piece consists of six movements, each with its own unique character and style. The first movement is a slow and stately introduction, with the cornetto playing a simple melody over a basso continuo accompaniment. The second movement is a lively and energetic dance, with the cornetto and basso continuo trading off melodic phrases. The third movement is a more contemplative and introspective piece, with the cornetto playing a mournful melody over a sparse basso continuo accompaniment. The fourth movement is a fast and virtuosic display of cornetto technique, with the instrument playing rapid runs and trills over a busy basso continuo accompaniment. The fifth movement is a gentle and lyrical piece, with the cornetto playing a sweet and expressive melody over a delicate basso continuo accompaniment. The final movement is a lively and joyful dance, with the cornetto and basso continuo playing off each other in a playful and spirited manner. Overall, the "Ricercata sesta" is a showcase of the cornetto's versatility and expressive capabilities. It demonstrates the instrument's ability to play both slow and contemplative pieces as well as fast and virtuosic ones. The piece also showcases Bassano's skill as a composer, with each movement having its own unique character and style.

More....