Merulo: Toccate d'intavolatura d'organo

Featuring

Francesco Tasini
Claudio Merulo

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Composer Biography

Merulo served as the first organist of the Basilica of S. Marco in Venice, a prestigious position he attained in 1565.

Compositional Technique

The two printed books of Toccate were conceived as complementary, with the pieces arranged according to the order of ecclesiastical 'Tuoni' (modes).

Composer's Artistic Vision

Merulo's Toccate are considered a model of supreme mastery in the art of diminution, which he used to create a sense of 'real perspectival impression'.

Composer Biography

Claudio Merulo, also known as 'Clavdio da Correggio', was universally esteemed during his lifetime, particularly as an organist.

Instruments

The recording features two historic organs: one by Baldassarre Malamini (1596) in Bologna and another by Graziadio Antegnati (1565) in Mantua.

Composition History

Merulo personally supervised the printing of his two books of Toccate in Rome, which were produced using a refined copper plate engraving technique for superior quality.

Recording & Production

This recording includes all currently known Toccate by Merulo, drawn from two printed books and seven manuscript Toccate from the Biblioteca Nazionale of Turin.