The sackbut, an ancestor of the modern trombone, is designed similarly to its modern descendent, allowing a modern trombonist to play it with only moderate adjustments.
Cultural Impact
The ciaccona, a Spanish dance originating in the New World, was considered sexually explicit in 17th-century Spain and was banned by the Church, with dancers facing 200 lashes during the Spanish Inquisition.
Historical Context
Naples, where composer Andrea Falconieri spent part of his career, remained under Spanish control until the eighteenth century, influencing its musical culture.
Instruments
The shawm, from which the modern oboe evolved, is a double reed instrument that is higher and louder than the modern oboe, with finger holes instead of keys.
Performer Biography
Ciaramella, the ensemble on this recording, formed when its original members met as graduate students at Case Western Reserve University and first performed together on Christmas Day in 2003.
Compositional Technique
Grounds are repeated chord progressions and melodies that form the basis of Renaissance and Baroque dance, with players improvising variations called diminutions, divisions, or diferencias.
Album & Artwork
The album title, 'Ciaramella: Dances on Moveable Ground', references living in Southern California, where the ground can shake, and also a musical concept of repeated chord progressions and melodies.
