Recercada Primera sobre La Spagna

Master variations on famous Renaissance tune
Execute La Spagna bass pattern recognition
Develop understanding of Renaissance favorite melodies
Perfect historical performance of beloved tune

About This Piece

Composer: Diego Ortiz (c. 1510-c. 1570)

Difficulty: Advanced

Source melody: La Spagna (The Spanish Tune) - most famous Renaissance melody

Note: Over 250 Renaissance compositions use La Spagna!

La Spagna Bass Pattern

The most famous ground bass of the Renaissance. Tempo: ♩ = 80-92

Virtuosic Variations

Brilliant variations on this beloved tune.

Performance Practice

"La Spagna" (The Spanish Tune) was the most popular melody of the 15th-16th centuries - over 250 compositions are based on it! Ortiz's recercada demonstrates virtuosic variation on this famous ground. Every Renaissance musician knew La Spagna - your audience would have recognized it immediately. Perform with awareness of this tune's historical importance.

Performance Goal: Honor La Spagna's historical significance while showcasing virtuosity. This tune was the "pop standard" of the Renaissance - imagine modern jazz variations on a beloved standard. Essential for understanding Renaissance musical culture and variation practice.