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Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) Program Notes

 

Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583–1643): Master of the Early Baroque Keyboard

Girolamo Frescobaldi, born in Ferrara, Italy, in 1583, was one of the most influential and innovative composers of the early Baroque period, particularly renowned for his keyboard music. A child prodigy, he studied with Luzzasco Luzzaschi, a celebrated organist and composer. Frescobaldi quickly gained a reputation for his extraordinary virtuosity and improvisational skills, leading him to prestigious positions, most notably as organist at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a post he held for many years beginning in 1608.

Frescobaldi's compositions, including toccatas, canzonas, ricercars, and partitas, pushed the boundaries of keyboard technique and expression. He embraced and perfected the stile moderno (modern style), characterized by its dramatic contrasts, expressive ornamentation, and free, improvisatory feel, laying crucial groundwork for later Baroque masters like Bach. His music often showcases a profound depth of emotion and a remarkable harmonic adventurousness for his time.

Beyond his prolific output of keyboard works, Frescobaldi also composed sacred vocal music, though it is his contributions to the keyboard repertoire that cemented his legacy. He passed away in Rome in 1643, leaving behind a profound influence on generations of composers and performers, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the history of Western music.


 

Amusing Stories about Girolamo Frescobaldi:

 

While detailed, humorous anecdotes about composers from centuries past can be scarce, a few delightful snippets offer glimpses into Frescobaldi's character and the world he inhabited:

  • The Power of the Crowd: When Frescobaldi arrived in Rome

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