An historical survey of organ performance practices and repertoire includes: an introduction surveying a brief history of the nation and of the earliest organs there, liturgical uses, "good taste," the church modes, short-octave bass keyboards, and a discography; types of composition are briefly discussed. A significant discussion differentiates the types of organs, with emphasis on the Northern Italian (Brescian) organ, and histoircal firsts in Italian organ design. Registration is covered from several perspectives including the era, the Mode, and by type of work and function. Posture and hand position are discussed, with emphasis on fingering and the systems of Diruta compared to that of Banchiere, Penna, Bismantova, and A. Scarlatti, with further disucssion of adjacent notes, repeated notes, sequences, substitution, use of thumb and little finger, intervals and chords, suspensions, parallel thirds, and voice distribution. There are further instructions on articulation, ornamentation, and rhythm. Study works presented are by Banchieri, Cavazzoni, Diruta (4 works including 12 Ricercari), Frescobaldi (8 works), Andrea Gabrieli, Giovanni Gabrieli (5 works), Merula, Mortaro, Pasquini, Rossi, A. Scarlatti, and Trabaci. 128 pages, illustrated, softbound |