Con gratia et maniera

Featuring

Paul Beier
Galatea
Bartolomé de Selma y Salaverde
Giovanni Battista Bovicelli
Florentio Maschera
Giorgio Mainerio

Riccardo Rognoni
Francesco Rognoni Taeggio
Giovanni Bassano
John Dowland

Did you know?

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Compositional Technique

The art of diminution, which involves 'breaking up' longer melodic notes into quick, artful passages, flourished between approximately 1575 and 1625.

Historical Context

In the 16th century, noble families and wealthy churchmen competed to hire the best musical virtuosos, showcasing them as a symbol of their prestige.

Historical Context

Musicians in the 16th and 17th centuries needed to maintain a vast repertoire, including 'greatest hits' from the previous 50-60 years, similar to modern piano-bar performers.

Interpretation

Paul Beier, the lutenist and founder of Galatea, promotes an interpretive method based on rigorous historical research and spontaneous creative improvisation.

Instruments

The violins used in this recording were made by Antonio and Girolamo Amati in 1618.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Zacconi, in his 1596 book 'Prattica di musica', advised singers to add 'charms' and 'accents' to written music to make it more pleasing, comparing the effect to well-trained birds.

Performer Biography

Bruce Dickey is recognized as one of the most expert practitioners of the Renaissance art of diminution and one of the world's most accomplished cornettists.