Frescobaldi: Fantasie, Book 1 / Ricercari / Canzoni Francesi

Featuring

Sergio Vartolo
Girolamo Frescobaldi

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Instruments

The organ used in this recording, located in Pistoia, Italy, was built in 1664 by the Flemish Jesuit Willem Hermans and combines both Italian and Flemish construction features and sounds.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Frescobaldi's early works, including the Fantasie and Ricercari, were intended as non-liturgical chamber music for entertainment, rather than for church services.

Composer Biography

Girolamo Frescobaldi's Fantasie and Ricercari pieces were among his "first efforts" or "first little part of my creative talent," published early in his career.

Interpretation

Despite Frescobaldi's title as Vatican organist, the harpsichord is generally preferred for performing his works, including the Fantasias, contrary to common belief.

Composer Biography

Frescobaldi's time in Flanders was significant, as he inherited a deep respect for Flemish musicians like Cipriano de Rore, who greatly influenced the development of counterpoint in Italy.

Cultural Impact

J.S. Bach, a master of counterpoint, likely knew and was inspired by Frescobaldi's work, with connections evident in Bach's Goldberg Variations and themes in his Ricercari.

Compositional Technique

Frescobaldi's Fantasie and Ricercari contain elements that he would later develop in his Capricci, which are considered his most important and finished compositions.