The Spanish Renaissance World of Miguel de Fuenllana

Featuring

Mårten Falk
Anna Petrini
Louise Agnani
El Escorial
Miguel de Fuenllana
Diego Ortiz

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Interpretation

Fuenllana, a vihuela composer, explicitly stated his preference against adding embellishments (glosses or redobles) to transcriptions, believing they compromised the integrity of the composition.

Historical Context

The marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella in 1469 created a powerful alliance, leading to the conquest of the Alhambra and the discovery of America in 1492.

Instruments

The vihuela, a plucked string instrument, was the most popular instrument in 16th-century Spain and was seen as the lyre of Orpheus, symbolizing classical antiquity.

Composer Biography

Miguel de Fuenllana, a vihuela composer, was likely blind or severely visually impaired from birth, a handicap he shared with his contemporary, Antonio de Cabezón, a great organist.

Compositional Technique

The method of notating vihuela music in tablature made it possible for almost anyone, even without formal musical education, to perform complex works by great masters.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Vihuela playing was considered an introverted, meditative activity that aligned with Catholic mysticism and its doctrines of introspective reflection.

Critical Reception

Fuenllana's "Orphenica Lyra," a large collection of vihuela music, was a great success, with its initial run of 1000 copies quickly followed by a pirate edition.