Recercada Segunda sobre tenores Italianos

Master variations over ground bass patterns
Execute Italian Renaissance style
Develop dialogue with basso ostinato
Perfect Renaissance harmonic awareness

About This Piece

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

Difficulty: Advanced

Form: Variations over repeating bass pattern (tenor)

Style: Italian Renaissance

Ground Bass Pattern

Repeating bass pattern - foundation for variations. Tempo: ♩ = 84-96

Variation 1: Simple Divisions

Beginning variations - establishing melodic material.

Variation 3: Virtuosic Display

Brilliant passage work over repeating bass.

Performance Practice

This recercada demonstrates variations over Italian ground bass patterns (tenori). The repeating bass provides harmonic foundation while the recorder creates increasingly elaborate divisions. This technique influenced later Baroque ground bass variations (chaconnes, passacaglias). Essential for understanding Renaissance-Baroque transition.

Performance Goal: Maintain dialogue with ground bass while showcasing virtuosity. Each variation should increase in complexity and interest. Demonstrate understanding of Renaissance harmonic practice and variation technique.