Booklet "favola in musica.alte neue musik"

NUMBER
-•08•-
In 1633 the librarian Leon Allacci catalogued all poets
and scholars who were in the service of the famous
Barberini family in Rome. He called this catalogue
“Apes Urbanae” (“Urban’s Bees”), referring to the family’s
heraldic animal.
The name Urban refers to Pope Urban VIII, known
before his election as Cardinal Maffeo Barberini. The
only composer listed in the “Apes Urbanae” was lute
virtuoso Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger, who was born
in Venice and who lived in Rome from circa 1610.
As a member of a circle of artists, scientists and
high-standing noblemen, it was of course advisable
for him to ensure support from his potential sponsors.
In 1624 he published “Poematia et carmina” in which
he set poems by Pope Urban VIII into music – and
henceforth he was in the service of Cardinal Francesco
Barberini and his brother.
The following twenty years in Kapsberger’s life were
strongly tied to the Barberini family: He composed
masses, sacred music and litanies, which he dedicated
to Barberini family members and published himself,
unlike his secular music. His only opera, “Fetonte”, and
other works from this period are considered lost.
Kapsberger’s trace begins to blur somewhere in the
Passacaglia in Re
Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger (um 1580 – 1651)
(Libro quarto | Rome 1640)
•
1630s. Among his last known publications is the “Libro
Quarto d‘Intavolatura di Chitarrone”. And here, too,
Kapsberger proves himself to be one of the most innovative
composers of his time.
The typical descending bass line of the Passacaglia in
Re offers several possibilities for improvisation. The
seemingly endless progression of harmony appears
to call for virtuosity – and Kapsberger picks from an
abundance of riches. Alongside chords, ornamental
figures of many flavours and artistic arpeggios, the
composer also interweaves chromatic passing tones
and bass melodies, making this composition a gem of
instrumental music.
There is a reason for Kapsberger’s being known as one
of the best lute players of his time.
In 1644, after Urban VIII died and the Barberini family
lost most of their influence and power, things became
quiet around Kapsberger. We know very little about his
last years; Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger died in Rome
on 17 January 1651. With him the first virtuoso chapter
of lute music ended; his music, however, lives on.
Alexander Moore
167