Kapsbergiana

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of early Baroque music with "Kapsbergiana," a captivating album featuring the works of Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger, a virtuoso performer and composer of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Released in 2009 by Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, this album showcases Kapsberger's remarkable compositions, performed with exquisite skill by the ensemble Los Otros and Hille Perl.

The album spans a rich hour of medieval music, with 15 tracks that include toccatas, correnti, gagliardas, and other intricate pieces. Each composition is a testament to Kapsberger's mastery of the chitarrone, a large, bass register member of the lute family. The tracks, such as "Toccata seconda," "Corrente seconda," and "La bella netta ignuda," offer a glimpse into the musical landscape of 17th-century Italy, where Kapsberger made his mark.

Born in Austria and active in Italy, Kapsberger was known by various names, including Johann Hieronymus Kapsberger and Giovanni Geronimo Kapsberger. His works, as presented in "Kapsbergiana," reveal a blend of Austrian and Italian influences, creating a unique and captivating musical experience. The album is a celebration of Kapsberger's rediscovered third book of chitarrone tablature, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy his compositions as they were intended to be heard.

Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of medieval music or a newcomer eager to explore the rich tapestry of early Baroque compositions, "Kapsbergiana" promises an engaging and enlightening journey through the musical genius of Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger.