For Spanish musician Cristina Prats Costa, the Mediterranean represents both her heritage and artistic compass, with its musical colors echoing home.
Historical Context
Before the groundbreaking works of Falconieri, the violin was primarily a functional instrument used to accompany dance.
Compositional Technique
Johann Schop, one of Germany's first violin virtuosi, arranged Alessandro Striggio's madrigal "Nasce la pena mia" for solo violin and continuo, transforming the vocal line with "diminutions."
Album & Artwork
The album title, "Spiritillo Mediterraneo," is inspired by the mischievous sprite from Andrea Falconieri's piece "Il Spiritillo Brando."
Instruments
In 1640, music theorist Giovanni Battista Doni described the violin's versatility, stating it could represent the sweetness of a lute, the majesty of a harp, or the fervour of a trumpet.
Compositional Technique
Andrea Falconieri's music, published under Spanish rule, is a fusion of Spanish and Italian styles, also incorporating French dance types due to his travels.
Historical Context
In the 17th and early 18th centuries, the Mediterranean was a crossroads where musical styles from Italy, Spain, and France blended through ports and courts.
You might also enjoy...
Officina Romana: A Wonder Lab at the Dawn of the 18th Century
