Canzona

Baroque works

Definition

A multi-section contrapuntal keyboard work derived from the Franco-Flemish chanson. Typically faster in character than the ricercar, with several contrasting fugal sections often sharing related themes and featuring more lively, varied rhythmic writing.

Historical Context

The keyboard canzona evolved from arrangements of French chansons in the 16th century and became one of the principal contrapuntal forms of the Italian Baroque. Froberger inherited the form from Frescobaldi and typically writes canzonas in variation form, with a single theme transformed across contrasting sections. The genre contributed to the development of the keyboard fugue and sonata.

Works (6)

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