Albert de Rippe, originally named Alberto da Ripa, was an Italian lutenist who achieved success in the 16th century court of the French king, Francis I, and his output of fantasias, intabulations, and dances filled six volumes, which were published posthumously by his student, Guillaume de Morlaye. What made de Rippe's lute music unusual for its time was its independence from accompanied vocal music (even though a number of his intabulations were based on chansons), and its expressive potential and intricate displays ...
Read More
Albert de Rippe, originally named Alberto da Ripa, was an Italian lutenist who achieved success in the 16th century court of the French king, Francis I, and his output of fantasias, intabulations, and dances filled six volumes, which were published posthumously by his student, Guillaume de Morlaye. What made de Rippe's lute music unusual for its time was its independence from accompanied vocal music (even though a number of his intabulations were based on chansons), and its expressive potential and intricate displays allowed the full flowering of his ideas beyond familiar patterns. Paul O'Dette is a leader among lutenists, always considering his art in the historical context, so even a relatively forgotten composer such as de Rippe receives his attention. O'Dette's loving treatment of de Rippe's music goes beyond filling a gap in the historical record. The richness of the counterpoint and the virtuosity of de Rippe's writing, clearly intended for his own abilities, show an expansion of possibilities...
Read Less
