Alfonso Ferrabosco II

Alfonso Ferrabosco II was an English composer and viol player active during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Born in 1575, he was the son of the Italian composer Alfonso Ferrabosco the elder, and he continued his family’s musical legacy at the English court. Ferrabosco II is best known for his refined and expressive consort music, particularly for viols, and played a key role in developing the “lyra viol” style—a uniquely English approach to solo viol playing that blended melodic elegance with intricate chordal textures.

Working under the patronage of King James I and later Charles I, Ferrabosco II held prestigious court positions and collaborated with notable contemporaries such as the poet Ben Jonson. He composed a variety of music, including instrumental fantasies, dance suites, and vocal works. His lyra viol compositions in particular are admired for their innovation and artistic depth, helping to define a golden age of English viol music.

Genres

Classical

Chamber Music

Baroque

Early Music

Renaissance

Latest Release

Alfonso Ferrabosco: Lessons for Solo Lyra Viol

Alfonso Ferrabosco II

Album - 24 Tracks - Released January 17, 2020