14 Silver Strings (Deux Elles DXL 1044l)
At the beginning of the 17th century, composers began to develop new, post-renaissance compositional styles around the basso-continuo. The rich sonority of the Chitarrone, or theorbo, made it well suited for these new works. The Italian Piccinini and the “German Gentleman of the Theorbo”, Kapsberger were the two leading composers, though they approached the instrument differently, Kapsberger composing in the more improvisational manner. Placing Kapsberger and Piccinini side by side for this recording, radically different approaches to the same instrument are heard. The works which have survived through the centuries serve as fitting tributes to both these extraordinary pioneers.
In this programme , the poetic and intricate solo works of Alessandro Piccinini are performed alongside the more flamboyant, experimental music from Giovanni Kapsberger’s Libro Quarto, in which Matthew is (optionally) joined by two excellent continuo players, Gary Cooper and Mark Levy. Optionally, the concert can also include music by Robert de Visée, Diego Ortiz, Bernardo Storace and a new work for theorbo composed for Wadsworth by Andrew Keeling.
Matthew Wadsworth speaks the baroque language like a native
BBC Music Magazine, 2003
Beauty of harmony, balance and faithfulness to structure were the basic foundations of Renaissance composition and performance of music. Around the beginning of the 17th century, however, composers began to tire of these constraints, even of the undeniable perfection of the polyphonic style, and yearned for their opposite. They deliberately upset the perfect balance and developed a taste for personal expression.
'A ringing endorsement of the beauty of the theorbo in a distinguished recital… Wadsworth has an imperious command of some impressive solo material,…he glories in the fleeting mysteries of these works, allowing the notes to speak with unequivocal conviction'
Gramophone Editors Choice, 2003
For further information please contact Deux Elles at
or visit the Deus Elles website Deux Elles Sales Page