Kapsperger: Intavolatura

Immerse yourself in the rich, historical sounds of Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger's "Intavolatura," a captivating collection of solo theorbo works released on July 29, 2016, under the Fra Bernardo label. This album offers a diverse overview of Kapsberger's compositions, drawn from his renowned "Libro d'intavolatura di chitarrone" series, showcasing his mastery of the theorbo, a plucked string instrument popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Kapsberger, a German-Italian composer and performer, was a virtuoso of his time, and this album highlights his technical prowess and creative genius. Spanning a little over an hour, the tracks range from preludes and toccatas to galliards and passacaglias, each piece intricately crafted to display the depth and versatility of the theorbo. Notable tracks include the lively "Ballo No. 1" and "Ballo No. 3," the dramatic "Battaglia," and the contemplative "Passacaglia No. 4," all of which demonstrate Kapsberger's ability to evoke a wide array of emotions and atmospheres.

The album is performed by Jonas Nordberg, a renowned theorbo player known for his nuanced and expressive interpretations of early music. Nordberg's playing brings a fresh perspective to Kapsberger's works, making this release a compelling addition to any lover of medieval and Renaissance music. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of the theorbo, "Intavolatura" promises an engaging and enriching listening experience.