Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger, also known as Johannes Hieronymus Kapsberger or Giovanni Geronimo Kapsperger, was an esteemed composer and virtuoso of the early Baroque period, renowned particularly for his work with the chitarrone, or theorbo, a large lute-like instrument. Born around 1580, Kapsberger's origins lay in Venice, Italy, but his professional musings flourished primarily in Rome. Despite his German ancestry, which earned him the nickname "Il Tedesco della Tiorba" (The German of the Theorbo), Kapsberger became a central figure in the Italian music scene, carving out a reputation that saw him engage with the most illustrious circles of his time, including the papal court.

Kapsberger's compositions cover a broad array of genres, including vocal and instrumental works. He was particularly known for his innovative and complex stylings on the theorbo, demonstrated in pieces such as "Libro Quarto D'intavolatura Di Chitarrone: Preludio X" and "Intavolatura di chitarone." His works, like "La Tiorba y el Todeschino" and "Kapsberger in Rome, 1610 'Il Tedesco,'" showcase a masterly blend of Italian musical traditions with his uniquely cosmopolitan flair. Through compositions like "Liuto phantasticus" and "Virtù e nobiltà: Theorbo Music in Baroque Rome," Kapsberger contributed significantly to the repertoire for lute and chitarrone, reflecting the instrument's capability for expressive and emotive music-making. His legacy endures through his innovative approach and outstanding contributions to Baroque music rhetoric and technique.

Genres

German Renaissance

Italian Baroque

Latest Release

Libro Quarto D'intavolatura Di Chitarrone: Preludio X

Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger

Single - Released January 7, 2024