Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina

Ricercari

These Ricercari belong to the works of Palestrina of which no original print or autograph is known. Haberl included them in the thirty second volume of the works of Palestrina (p. 80 pp.) taken from a copy of G. Chiti which was found in the legacy of Baini.The Ricercari are composed in a strict motet form. That is they carry single themes (3-5) in the manner indicated in the german preface.The order of the Ricercari follows the eight modes: dorian, hypodorian, phrygian, hypophrygian, lydian, hypolydian, mixolydian, hypomixolydian.The work can be performed on keyboard, or string or wind-instruments. The tempo corresponds with moderato time (Andante).In the XVIth century it was custom to add diminutions (coloratures) especially if the part was executed by several instruments and one instrument held on the res facta (written melody).