L’arte dela diminuzione dal Rinascimento al primo Barocco in Italia

Recital byRodney Prada, viola da gamba (Italy)

Margherita Burattini, arpa doppia (Italy)

“Diversi Passaggi” is a captivating program exploring the art of diminution from the Renaissance to the Early Baroque in Italy. This program features the enchanting sounds of the viola da gamba and the double harp, bringing to life the intricate and expressive compositions of renowned Italian masters. Tonight, we delve into the works of Diego Ortiz, Giovanni Leonardo dell‘Arpa, Giovanni Maria Trabaci, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Riccardo Rognoni, and Dario Castello, showcasing the evolution of musical ornamentation and virtuosity during this transformative period. D. Ortiz, a pioneer in the art of diminution, sets the stage with his influential treatise “Trattado de Glosas”. His works provide a foundation for understanding the practice of embellishing melodic lines, adding complexity and emotional depth to simple tunes. The double harp and viola da gamba, with their rich tonal qualities, bring Ortiz‘s intricate diminutions to life, highlighting the improvisational spirit that characterizes Renaissance music.

G. L. dell’Arpa, known for his mastery of the harp, and prolific composer and organist G. M. Trabaci represent the transition from Renaissance to early Baroque, pushing the boundaries of musical expression. While dell’Arpa remains firmly rooted in the Renaissance tradition, his works hint at the emerging complexity of the Baroque era. Trabaci’s compositions reflect the increasing emotional range and structural innovation of early Baroque music. The program culminates with the works of G. Frescobaldi, R. Rognoni, and D. Castello, three composers who epitomize the height of early Baroque innovation. Frescobaldi’s works demonstrate his revolutionary approach to rhythm and harmony. Rognoni’s diminutions further explore the expressive potential of ornamentation, while Castello’s sonatas introduce a new level of instrumental virtuosity and dramatic flair. Together, these pieces illustrate the transition from the structured elegance of the Renaissance to the bold, expressive style of the Baroque.

“Diversi Passaggi” is a celebration of the rich tapestry of Italian music, from the sophisticated diminutions of the Renaissance to the bold innovations of the early Baroque. Through the masterful performances on the viola da gamba and double harp, we invite you to experience the artistry and evolution of musical ornamentation, a testament to the enduring beauty and creativity of this remarkable era.

Diego Ortiz (1510–1570)

Reçercada sobre La Spagna 
Doulce Memoire 
Pass‘e mezzo moderno
La Folia 
(from Trattado de Glosas, Roma 1553)

Giovan Leonardo Dell‘Arpa (1530–1602)

Galliarda / Galjarda
(from MS 4.6.3., Conservatorio di San Pietro à Maiella, Napoli)

Giovanni Maria Trabaci (c. 1575–1647) 

Durezze & Ligature
Toccata Seconda, ottavo tono
(from Libro Primo di Ricercate, Canzone Francese, Capricci, 1603)

Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583–1643)

Canzona sesta detta l‘Altera
 „Altera“

(from Canzoni da sonare a una, due, tre et quattro, libro primo, Roma, 1628)
Romanesca
(from Primo libro d‘arie musicali per cantarsi nel Gravicembalo, e Tiorba. A una, due, e a tre voci, Firenze 1630)

Riccardo Rognoni (c. 1550–1620) 

“Ancor che col partire” per la viola bastarda 
(from Passaggi per potersi esercitare nel diminuire terminatamente con ogni sorte d‘instrumenti, Venecia 1529)

Dario Castello (c. 1602–1630) 

Sonata Prima 
(from Sonate Concertate Stil Moderno, Libro secondo, Venezia 1629)

Rodney Prada

Born in Costa Rica into a family of violinmakers, Rodney Prada began his musical education in his native city of San José. He later continued his musical studies at the Civica Scuola di Musica in Milan (now known as the Civica Scuola di Musica Claudio Abbado di Milano) where he dedicated himself to the viola da gamba under the tutelage of Roberto Gini. He later furthered his studies with Vittorio Ghielmi. Known for the intensity and versatility of his interpretations as well as an innovative approach to the instrument, he has quickly become one of the most sought-after performers in his field. R. Prada works with renowned ensembles such as Il Giardino Armonico, L’Arpeggiata, Holland Baroque, Accademia Bizantina, Les Musicians du Louvre, La Venexiana, L’Amoroso, Il Pomo d’Oro, La Fonte Musica and others, performing in the most celebrated halls of Europe, Asia and North and South America. Along with early music repertoire, he also experiments with contemporary music written specifically for period instruments. He has recorded for Teldec, Erato Warner Classics, Sony, Astrée, Alpha, Virgin, Passacaille, Symphonia, Glossa, Arts, Naïve, Tactus, etc. He teaches viola da gamba at the Civica Scuola di Musica Claudio Abbado di Milano.

Margherita Burattini

Born in Ancona, Margherita Burattini graduated in classical harp with full marks and honors at the G. Rossini Conservatory in Pesaro. In 2022 with full marks and honors she completed her Masters in Baroque and Renaissance harp at the Civica Scuola di Musica C. Abbado under the guidance of M° Mara Galassi. In the field of Baroque music she has taken part in numerous projects in prestigious Italian and European contexts, performing on such important stages as the Berlin, Paris, Warsaw, Köln and Essen Philharmonies, Stanford (Bing Concert Hall), Palau de les Arts Valencia, Bozar Bruxelles, Le Halle aux Grains Toulouse, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Opéra Royal Château de Versailles, Tai Kwun (Hong Kong), AMUZ (Antwerp, BE), Teatro La Fenice (Venice), etc. She collaborates as a soloist and continuo player with il Pomo d’Oro, the Mare Nostrum Ensemble, Dramatodía, Locatelli Ensemble, Madrigalisti Estensi, Accademia dell’Annunciata, Associazione Mousiké and Schola S. Rocco Orchestra. She has recorded for Da Vinci Records, Erato/Warner Classics, and NovaAntiqua Records.