The five-string 'guitarra spagnuola' became so popular in the 17th century that it threatened to supersede the lute, spreading rapidly across Italy from Spain.
Recording & Production
This album features guitars crafted after historical instruments, including models by Antonio Stradivari (1688), Christoph Koch (1640), and Jean Voboam (1687).
Composer Biography
Giovanni Battista Granata, a student of Francesco Corbetta, was primarily a medical professional but left behind what is likely the most comprehensive body of work for the baroque guitar.
Compositional Technique
A new 'mixed style' of guitar playing emerged in 17th-century Italy, combining strummed (rasgueado) and plucked (punteado) techniques, which inspired composers to explore new harmonic areas.
Performer Biography
Pierre Pitzl, the director of Private Musicke, studied guitar, lute, and viola da gamba and has performed at major European early music festivals.
Compositional Technique
A notation system called 'alfabeto' or 'Italian alphabet' was developed for the five-course guitar, allowing amateurs who couldn't read music to play easy dances and accompany songs.
Composer Biography
Francesco Corbetta, born around 1615 in Pavia, Italy, was considered the outstanding guitarist of his time and taught King Louis XIV and King Charles II.
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