Via Frescobaldi

Seventeenth-century Italian composer Girolamo Frescobaldi was at once conservative and innovative. La Romanesca presents improvisatory toccatas, imitative polyphonic instrumental works, and songs from his arie musicali of 1630.

La Romanesca ensemble
Ann Murphy harpsichord, organ
Hartley Newnham countertenor
Ruth Wilkinson recorders, viola da gamba
Ros Bandt recorders
Katherine Henshall recorder
Alexandra Williams recorder

Girolamo Frescobaldi composer

There is much instrumental diversity here: countertenor, organ, harpsichord, recorders and viola da gamba appear in varied combinations. La Romanesca shapes the programme around Frescobaldi’s virtually interchangeable canzonas—works whose published titles often say little more than that they suit ogni sorte di stromenti—and adds a selection of his lesser-known solo vocal music.

The life of Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583–1643) spans one of the most exciting and innovative periods of European music. More than many of his Italian contemporaries, he was one of the principal protagonists in the move to effect rapid and fundamental transformations in musical taste and style, an activist in the quest for more extravagant and passionate forms of musical expression. Paradoxically, he was also a conservative: the Frescobaldi who took instrumental music into previously uncharted waters by way of his extraordinary improvisatory toccatas was the very same man whose canzonas present the epitome and summation of the imitative polyphonic tradition of Italian renaissance instrumental music.

Many of his canzonas, in particular, are virtually interchangeable and the titles under which they were published do no more than specify that they were suited for ogni sorte di stromenti. La Romanesca’s recording presents Frescobaldi’s music according to this diversity, and also includes a selection of his lesser known solo vocal music.

— John Griffiths

Reviews

Clear and dignified performances all round

— Madeleine Rowles, Early Music News, NSW

a range of musical styles and instruments which keep the listener’s interest … Superb.

— Mark Norton, Queensland Pride

The clean delicate lines of each instrumental combination and perfect tonal blend quickly transport the listener away

— Dr. Amanda Watson, Victorian Journal of Music Education

To survive 21 years as an early music ensemble in Australia is no mean feat and this is what La Romanesca’s Frescobaldi recital joyously celebrates … considerable experience and skill … considerable empathy

— Tony Way, The Age - Green Guide

Artists

La Romanesca

A leading force in early music in Australia since 1978, La Romanesca has developed a special interest in the performance of mediaeval monophonic and polyphonic song, although the group's repertory spans the twelfth to seventeenth centuries.

Girolamo Frescobaldi

Girolamo Frescobaldi's keyboard music moves between flamboyant improvisatory toccatas and strict counterpoint, with sudden shifts of tempo and mood that still challenge performers. His canzonas, partitas and sacred organ works shaped Baroque keyboard writing for generations.

Audio preview

0:00 / 0:00

Tracks

Canzona decimanona, detta la Capriola Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:33
Sonetto spirituale, Maddalena alle croce Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:11
Toccata settima Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:13
Canzona decimaterza, detta la Bianchina Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:16
Se l’aura spira Girolamo Frescobaldi 1:29
Canzona seconda sopra la Romanesca Girolamo Frescobaldi 2:55
Canzona settima, detta la Superba Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:54
Ohimè, che fur, che sono (Sonetto spirituale in stile recitativo) Girolamo Frescobaldi 2:41
Canzona seconda detta la Bernadinia Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:10
Aria detta la Frescobalda Girolamo Frescobaldi 4:56
Canzona vigesima prima, detta la Tegrimuccia Girolamo Frescobaldi 2:45
Non mi negate, ohimè Girolamo Frescobaldi 2:23
Toccata settima Girolamo Frescobaldi 4:14
Canzona terza detta la Lucchesina Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:07
Troppo sotto due stelle Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:03
Canzona seconda Girolamo Frescobaldi 4:04
Così mi disprezzate: Aria di passicaglia Girolamo Frescobaldi 3:36
Bergamasca Girolamo Frescobaldi 5:37
Canzona terza, detta la Donatina Girolamo Frescobaldi 2:47
Occhi che sete di voi pomposi Girolamo Frescobaldi 1:39

Performers

La Romanesca
Ann Murphy · harpsichord, organ
Hartley Newnham · tracks 2, 5, 8, 12, 15, 17 and 20
Ruth Wilkinson · recorders, viola da gamba
Ros Bandt · recorders
Katherine Henshall · tracks 6 and 16
Alexandra Williams · tracks 6 and 16

Where to listen

Via Frescobaldi is available for streaming through Spotify and Apple Music. It can also be purchased through the iTunes Music Store.

Via Frescobaldi is available as a CD. It can be purchased online through Buywell Music or the Australian Music Centre which both offer online ordering.