Giovanni Maria Trabaci - Trabaci: Keyboard Music, Book 2 (LP)

Giovanni Maria Trabaci's "Keyboard Music, Book 2" is a captivating journey through the early 17th-century Italian keyboard repertoire. This album, released by Naxos in 2003, showcases the intricate and sophisticated compositions of Trabaci, a prominent figure of the Venetian School. The collection spans a generous duration of 2 hours and 27 minutes, offering a comprehensive exploration of Trabaci's musical genius.

The album features a diverse array of works, including the "Ricercate Tono I-XII," a series of twelve ricercars, each in a different tonal center and featuring multiple fugues. These pieces demonstrate Trabaci's mastery of contrapuntal writing and his ability to create complex, yet harmonically satisfying, musical structures. Additionally, the "Cento Versi sopra li Otto finali Ecclesiastici" presents a collection of verses based on the eight ecclesiastical modes, blending Gregorian chant with original compositions.

Trabaci's "Toccate" are also highlighted, showcasing his virtuosic keyboard writing. These pieces, ranging from the "Toccata prima a Quattro" to the "Toccata quarta, & ultima, a cinque," display a wide range of technical and expressive capabilities. The album concludes with the "Canti fermi: Ricercar sopra il tenor de Constantio Festa a 4 Con due parti in Canone senza regola," a complex and intricate canon that exemplifies Trabaci's contrapuntal prowess.

Performances by Michel van Goethem and Sergio Vartolo bring Trabaci's music to life with precision and passion. Their interpretations highlight the subtle nuances and intricate details of Trabaci's compositions, making this album a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you are a fan of early music, keyboard repertoire, or simply appreciate the artistry of Giovanni Maria Trabaci, this album is sure to impress and inspire.