Keyboard Music (Book II 1615) [Box set]

This 4CD collection from Naxos is the second installment of keyboard music by the early Baroque Italian composer Giovanni Maria Trabaci (c. 1575-1647). It is, as far as I know, the first recording of the Book II (1615) of his keyboard music. His music is not widely known by music-lovers at least partly because there was no modern edition of this music until recent years. The early editions were printed in four-stave open score using archaic notation, making it difficult for performers to play, even those who specialize in the music of the era. This set's primary performer, Sergio Vartolo, is something of a specialist in Trabaci's music and he plays on several different organs, harpsichords and even an 18th-century Italian spinettone. There are also some pieces played by the harpist Andrew Lawrence King. The variety in tonal color amongst the various instruments tends to obviate monotony in the almost four hours of music presented here. The various instruments employed are enjoyable, although there is a particularly irritating 'usignuoli' ('nightingales') stop on one of the organs; fortunately it is used sparingly.

Trabaci was a renowned organist and composer from Naples; he was the organist of the Chapel Royal there during a period when Naples was under Spanish rule. He is a contemporary of the much-better-known Girolamo Frescobaldi (1583-1643) of Venice. Both he and Frescobaldi were masters of the rather severe late-Renaissance/early-Baroque contrapuntal style passed down from Flemish masters. If anything, Trabaci's music is darker and more chromatic than that of Frescobaldi.

The first CD contains twelve 'ricercate' (the old term for 'ricercare', a forerunner of the fugue) which display Trabaci's ability not only to write expert contrapuntal pieces, but to devise memorable themes.

The next two CDs contain the 'Centi Versi sopra li Otto finali Ecclesiastici' ('100 versets on the eight ecclesiastic finals'). Each 'verset' is accompanied by the appropriate Gregorian chant, in this set sung exquisitely by countertenor Michel van Goethem.

The last CD contains assorted other pieces in various forms - toccatas, galliards, partitas - including a setting by Jacob Arcadelt (sung by tenor Mario Cecchetti) of 'Ancidetemi pur,' preceded by a Trabaci setting played on the harp by Andrew Lawrence King, and afterwards by the same setting played on harpsichord by Vartolo.

Vartolo's playing is generally expert, but I was bothered somewhat by what seemed to me a rather capricious use of rubato. Since Vartolo is a musicologist it may be that he is using performance practice of the time, and my criticism reflects my own ignorance of that issue.

It is very likely that these will be the only recordings of this music for years to come. So, if you feel impelled to explore this rather obscure byway, I would suggest you buy this set (as well as the set containing Book I from 1603), because it's not likely you'll have others to choose from any time soon. And, of course, Naxos's budget price makes these sets eminently affordable.

Scott Morrison

This review covers two Naxos sets of keyboard music by the Early Baroque Neapolitan composer, Giovanni Maria Trabaci [c.1575-1647], a near contemporary of Frescobaldi. Volume 1 [3CDs, 151 minutes] consists of works published in 1603, and Volume 2 [4 CDs, 205 minutes] of works published in 1615. Each volume would have fitted comfortably onto one CD less than was actually used; but let that pass. Both sets still represent tremendous value for money, such that for a modest outlay one can easily explore this great wealth of virtually unknown music of the highest quality. The mastermind behind the project is Sergio Vartolo, who plays a variety of harpsichords, organs and spinets, and who is joined in a few pieces by the Harpist, Andrew Lawrence King, and two singers: Michel van Goethem [countertenor] and Mario Ceccheti [tenor]. Most of the tracks are solo pieces played by Vartolo, who also provides full and erudite notes which greatly enhance the value of these sets.

The music was all written for the Royal Chapel in Naples, then under Spanish rule, where Trabaci was first organist [Volume 1] and then Maestro di Capella [Volume 2]. It consists of a series of Ricercare, Canzoni, Partitias, Toccatas and similar pieces which showcase the development of Baroque music in Naples during the first two decades of the Seventeenth century. I am far from being an expert in this period, and was slightly wary at first, thinking I might find it somewhat monotonous: but I really had nothing to fear. The use of different instruments and settings has given the music far more variety and interest than a simple list of the contents might suggest. Thus it is possible - I found - to play one disc after the other without in any way dulling the palate, making it an ideal companion on those long-haul flights. It will prove both an education and a delight for those unfamiliar with this wonderful music, and deserves a wide hearing. Thoroughly recommended.