Marco Antonio Cavazzoni private harpsichordist to the Duchess of Urbino and Pope Leo X, friend of Titian and Bembo composed some of the most important milestones in the history of instrumental music. They were published in Venice by Vercellese (1523), the second edition of Italian keyboard music after that of Andrea Antico [Naxos 8.572983]. Usually assigned to the organ, they are restored here to the harpsichord where they originally belonged, as explained in an online essay by Glen Wilson. Contemporary examples further illustrate the fascinating development of Cavazzonis major form, the ricercar. The project celebrates the 500th anniversary of the harpsichord on the cover (the worlds oldest), which was owned by Leo X and undoubtedly played on by Cavazzoni.

Brunel: Ricercare sopra Cantai mentre ch'I arsi '(Cipriano de Rore)
Cavazzoni, G: Ricercar XX
Cavazzoni, G: Ricercare terzo
Cavazzoni, MA: Lautre jor per un matin
Cavazzoni, MA: Madame vous avez mon cuor
Cavazzoni, MA: O Stella Maris
Cavazzoni, MA: Perdone moi si je foil
Cavazzoni, MA: Plus ne regres
Cavazzoni, MA: Recercare primo
Cavazzoni, MA: Recercare secondo
Cavazzoni, MA: Ricercada
Cavazzoni, MA: Salve virgo
Merulo: Ricercar del quarto tuono
Parabosco: Da Pacem Domine
Segni: Ricercar per musica ficta
Veggio: Recercada del primo tono
Groups & Artists
Wilson, Glen