Fantasia 1 (Meyer no. 23)
A masterful piece to begin the series in this source, thought to be close
to the Jacobean court. Rapid subdivisions in motives 1a and 1c give a forward drive.
Good contrast of 1b, which can be brought out by a more legato
articulation - and becomes more effective as the three motives
are exploited into further more remote harmonic areas. A similar
contrast can be effected by pointed articulation of 2a leaping beginning and
more legato for 2b.
View the complete analysis here *.
Listen to examples† of the motives:
| Motive 1a: |  | mp3 | wav | Real Audio | wma |
| Motive 1b: |  | mp3 | wav | Real Audio | wma |
| Motive 1c: |  | mp3 | wav | Real Audio | wma |
| Motive 2a: |  | mp3 | wav | Real Audio | wma |
| Motive 2b: |  | mp3 | wav | Real Audio | wma |
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†Sound clips are from "Alfonso Ferrabosco II: Four-Part Fantasias". CD Recording, Viola da Gamba Society -- New England, 25th Anniversary Project, Sarah Mead, Producer (2002). Reproduced by permission.
†Sound clips are from "Alfonso Ferrabosco II: Four-Part Fantasias". CD Recording, Viola da Gamba Society -- New England, 25th Anniversary Project, Sarah Mead, Producer (2002). Reproduced by permission.