Ferrabosco II: The Art of Fantasy

Featuring

Romina Lischka
Irene Klein
Thomas Baeté
Hathor Consort
Alfonso Ferrabosco the younger

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Compositional Technique

Ferrabosco the Younger's four- and six-part Fantasias are known for their serious polyphony, formal symmetry, and counterpoint designed for viols.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Ferrabosco the Younger's compositional style, though not overtly emotive, is characterized by a serious polyphonic architecture, bridging musical cultures at the Tudor and Stuart courts.

Historical Context

The viol fantasy, pioneered by composers like Ferrabosco the Younger, laid the foundation for instrumental chamber music in the 17th century, during an era known as the Age of Plenty.

Composer Biography

Alfonso Ferrabosco the Younger, a viol player, served at the English courts of Elizabeth I, James I, and Charles I for 36 years.

Historical Context

Ferrabosco the Younger's father, Alfonso Ferrabosco the Elder, was suspected of being a double agent between Catholic Italy and Reformation England due to his diplomatic talents.

Instruments

Ferrabosco's Lessons is the first collection dedicated entirely to music for the lyra viol, using three tunings, some of which he partly invented.

Composition History

Ferrabosco the Younger was appointed as music and viol tutor to Princes Henry and Charles (later Charles I) in 1604, influencing their musical tastes.