Albert de Rippe

Albert de Rippe, born Alberto da Ripa da Mantova, was a virtuoso Italian lutenist and composer who made a significant mark on the Renaissance music scene. Born in Mantua around 1500, de Rippe's talents quickly gained him recognition, leading him to the court of Francis I in France by 1529. His exceptional skills as a lutenist earned him a prestigious position, with an annual salary double that of his peers and numerous gifts from the king, including land and money. De Rippe's compositions, which include fantasias, intabulations, and dances, were published posthumously by his student, Guillaume de Morlaye, and are noted for their independence from vocal accompaniment, a unique characteristic for the time. His music, characterized by its lush palette and dense brilliance, continues to captivate audiences today, showcasing his mastery and innovation on the lute. De Rippe's legacy is further cemented by the esteem in which he was held, with the poet Pierre de Ronsard claiming that de Rippe's lute continued to create music from his tomb.