Secondo libro di toccate (Frescobaldi)
Encyclopedia
Il secondo libro di toccate ("The Second Book of Toccatas") is a collection of keyboard music by Girolamo Frescobaldi
, first published in 1627. A work of immense historical importance, it includes the first known chaconne and passacaglia, as well as the earliest set of variations on an original theme (i.e. not a popular song, as in all earlier music). Il secondo libro di toccate is widely regarded as a high point in Frescobaldi's oeuvre.
Accordingly the full title of the collection is Il secondo libro di toccate, canzone, versi d'hinni, Magnificat, gagliarde, correnti et altre partite d'intavolatura di cembalo et organo. It was first published in Rome
in 1627, when Frescobaldi worked as organist of St. Peter's Basilica
. The print was engraved by Nicolò Borbone, musician and instrument builder with whom Frescobaldi had worked since at least 1613. The composer dedicated the book to Monsignor Luigi Gallo, Bishop
of Ancona
and nuncio
of Savoy
, a skilled keyboard player who may have been one of his pupils. A second printing appeared in 1637, identical to the first, except without the ostinato variations.
Il secondo libro di toccate introduces two important deviations from Frescobaldi's usual practice. First and foremost, it contains several liturgical pieces, the composer's first forays into the field of sacred keyboard music (although he did compose sacred vocal music: two collections of motets, one of which is lost, were published in late 1620s, and standalone motets survive in manuscripts; Frescobaldi would later publish a large volume of liturgical organ pieces, Fiori musicali
, one of his most highly regarded and influential works). Secondly, the book contains Frescobaldi's only known intabulation
(of Jacques Arcadelt
's madrigal Ancidetemi, pur), perhaps included as a homage to one of the oldest forms of keyboard music.
Girolamo Frescobaldi
Girolamo Frescobaldi was a musician from Ferrara, one of the most important composers of keyboard music in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. A child prodigy, Frescobaldi studied under Luzzasco Luzzaschi in Ferrara, but was influenced by a large number of composers, including Ascanio...
, first published in 1627. A work of immense historical importance, it includes the first known chaconne and passacaglia, as well as the earliest set of variations on an original theme (i.e. not a popular song, as in all earlier music). Il secondo libro di toccate is widely regarded as a high point in Frescobaldi's oeuvre.
History
Like Frescobaldi's first book of toccatas (1615), Il secondo libro di toccate contains compositions in various forms:- 11 toccatas
- 6 canzonas
- 4 hymns
- 3 Magnificats
- 5 gagliarde (galliards)
- 6 correntes
- 4 partitas
Accordingly the full title of the collection is Il secondo libro di toccate, canzone, versi d'hinni, Magnificat, gagliarde, correnti et altre partite d'intavolatura di cembalo et organo. It was first published in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and the country's largest and most populated city and comune, with over 2.7 million residents in . The city is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River within the Lazio region of Italy.Rome's history spans two and a half...
in 1627, when Frescobaldi worked as organist of St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter , officially known in Italian as ' and commonly known as Saint Peter's Basilica, is a Late Renaissance church located within the Vatican City. Saint Peter's Basilica has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world...
. The print was engraved by Nicolò Borbone, musician and instrument builder with whom Frescobaldi had worked since at least 1613. The composer dedicated the book to Monsignor Luigi Gallo, Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of Ancona
Ancona
Ancona is a city and a seaport in the Marche region, in central Italy, with a population of 101,909 . Ancona is the capital of the province of Ancona and of the region....
and nuncio
Nuncio
Nuncio is an ecclesiastical diplomatic title, derived from the ancient Latin word, Nuntius, meaning "envoy." This article addresses this title as well as derived similar titles, all within the structure of the Roman Catholic Church...
of Savoy
Savoy
Savoy is a region of France. It comprises roughly the territory of the Western Alps situated between Lake Geneva in the north and Monaco and the Mediterranean coast in the south....
, a skilled keyboard player who may have been one of his pupils. A second printing appeared in 1637, identical to the first, except without the ostinato variations.
Il secondo libro di toccate introduces two important deviations from Frescobaldi's usual practice. First and foremost, it contains several liturgical pieces, the composer's first forays into the field of sacred keyboard music (although he did compose sacred vocal music: two collections of motets, one of which is lost, were published in late 1620s, and standalone motets survive in manuscripts; Frescobaldi would later publish a large volume of liturgical organ pieces, Fiori musicali
Fiori musicali
Fiori musicali is a collection of liturgical organ music by Girolamo Frescobaldi, first published in 1635. It contains three organ masses and two secular capriccios. Generally acknowledged as one of Frescobaldi's best works, Fiori musicali influenced composers during at least two centuries...
, one of his most highly regarded and influential works). Secondly, the book contains Frescobaldi's only known intabulation
Intabulation
Intabulation, from the Italian word intavolatura, refers to an arrangement of a vocal or ensemble piece for keyboard, lute, or other plucked string instrument, written in tablature. It was a common practice in 14th-16th century keyboard and lute music...
(of Jacques Arcadelt
Jacques Arcadelt
Jacques Arcadelt was a Franco-Flemish composer of the Renaissance, active in both Italy and France, and principally known as a composer of secular vocal music...
's madrigal Ancidetemi, pur), perhaps included as a homage to one of the oldest forms of keyboard music.