Frescobaldi: Ricercars and Hymns

Immerse yourself in the intricate and captivating world of Girolamo Frescobaldi with the album "Frescobaldi: Ricercars and Hymns." This collection, released on July 15, 2014, under the Hungaroton label, offers a profound journey through the Renaissance composer's masterful works. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, the album features 14 tracks that showcase Frescobaldi's extraordinary talent and innovation in the realm of keyboard music.

The album begins with a series of ricercars, a form of contrapuntal composition that Frescobaldi mastered. These include "Ricercar primo," "Ricercar secondo," and "Ricercar terzo," each demonstrating the composer's ability to weave complex melodic lines with remarkable skill. The ricercars continue with "Ricercar quarto," "Ricercar quinto," and "Ricercar sesto," each offering a unique exploration of musical themes and structures.

The second half of the album features hymns, including "Lucis creator optime," "Exultet coelum laudibus," "Iste confessor," and "Ave maris stella." These hymns showcase Frescobaldi's ability to blend sacred text with intricate musical composition, creating a deeply spiritual and moving experience.

Performed by Dezso Karasszon, this album is a testament to Frescobaldi's enduring influence and the timeless beauty of his music. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast of Renaissance music or a newcomer to the genre, "Frescobaldi: Ricercars and Hymns" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the genius of one of history's most celebrated composers.

Girolamo Alessandro Frescobaldi, born in the Duchy of Ferrara in 1583, was a virtuoso keyboard player and one of the most influential composers of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. A child prodigy, Frescobaldi studied under the renowned Luzzasco Luzzaschi and was inspired by several notable composers of his time. His career reached great heights when he was appointed as the organist of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, a position he held intermittently from 1608 until his death in 1643. Frescobaldi's compositions for harpsichord and organ are celebrated for their technical brilliance and emotional depth, making him a pivotal figure in the development of keyboard music. His work not only defined the Italian Baroque style but also had a profound impact on the German Baroque school, solidifying his legacy as one of the first great masters of organ composition.