Joan Ambrosio Dalza: Fascinating Works and Musical Legacy
Joan Ambrosio Dalza (fl. 1508) was an Italian lutenist and composer whose contributions are foundational to the early Renaissance lute repertoire. Although virtually nothing is known about his personal life, Dalza is recognized for his unique musical output and his influence on subsequent generations of musicians. Embark on a remarkable journey with the spellbinding compositions of this Renaissance era artist, as presented on the STAGE+ platform.
Key Works and Contributions
Dalza's entire surviving collection is found in the Intabolatura de lauto libro quarto (Venice, 1508), part of Ottaviano Petrucci’s pioneering series of printed lute music. He is described as "milanese" in the collection’s preface, indicating a strong connection to Milan as either his birthplace or his primary profession location.
Catalogue Overview
Dalza's printed works comprise of 42 dances, structured as suites, often pairing a pavane with a thematically linked saltarello and piva, reflecting the dance suite conventions of the time. His collection also includes 9 ricercares, early examples of this important instrumental genre, emphasizing improvisatory and contrapuntal techniques. Plus, there are 5 Tastar de corde (“testing of the strings”), brief prelude-like pieces meant as tuning or warm-up exercises; these are among the earliest such works in print. His catalogue also includes 4 intabulations, arrangements of vocal or instrumental works, and one special piece, Caldibi castigliano.
Musical Style and Historical Context
Dalza’s style blends Italian and Spanish influences, likely due to the contemporary popularity of Spanish vihuela in Italy. His compositions are notable for their originality; unlike many of his contemporaries, he favored original works over arrangements of popular tunes. His innovative approach to fingering and tablature notation—sometimes breaking with convention—suggests a deliberate attempt to create dynamic effects and highlight certain passages.
Featured Performances on STAGE+
Our featured performance, "Diminuito," showcases Dalza's unique ability to express emotive melodies through stringed harmony, offering an enchanting experience of Renaissance art at its peak under the expertise of the Rolf Lislevand Ensemble.
The journey continues with "Los Ministriles - Spanish Renaissance Wind Music," exploring the authentic styles of the period skillfully performed by Piffaro.
"From a Spanish Palace Songbook: Music from the Time of Christopher Columbus" takes us back to the era of exploration and discovery, carrying an essence of the time presented beautifully by Margaret Philpot, Christopher Wilson, and Shirley Rumsey.
"Renaissance Fantasias for Solo Lute" showcases the exquisite range of the lute's capabilities, personified through Dalza's fascinating pieces, proffered by the skilful rendering of Anthony Rooley.
Finally, sway with "Terpsichore: Renaissance and Early Baroque Dance Music," a splendid blend of tunes ideal for the dance routines of the era carried out by the talents of Konrad Ragossnig, Ulsamer Collegium, and Josef Ulsamer.
This curated selection of Joan Ambrosio Dalza highlights the timelessness of his works and his deft ability to communicate intense emotion through instrumental music. Experience these captivating renditions on STAGE+ and travel back to the age of the Renaissance.