La Selva Selvaggia: From Diminution to the Stylus Phantasticus

The stylus phantasticus (the fantastic style) was a 17th-century name given to the instrumental music of the early Italian Baroque, deemed to be wild, bizarre, improvisatory—and, of course, new.

At the same time, this “new” style was largely grounded in older practice: the improvisation of diminutions, or florid Renaissance ornamentation. This program explores the fertile ground in which these seeds of improvisation grew into the sonata and toccata.

Enjoy music by Palestrina, Domenico Ferrabosco, Fontana, de Rore, Castello and others!

Jennifer Ellis Kampani, soprano; Mindy Ella Chu, mezzo soprano; Dermot Kiernan and N. Lincoln Hanks, tenors; Brett McDermid, bass; Alexandra Opsahl, cornetto and recorder; Andrew McIntosh, violin; Maxine Eilander, harp; Leif Woodward, viola da gamba; Ian Pritchard, harpsichord

This performance is a part of the San Francisco Early Music Society’s virtual series. To purchase tickets, please visit sfems.org.

$15 individual general admission; $20 household general admission (two or more individuals in one residence).

With your ticket purchase, you will receive a unique link to the high-definition livestream. Each presentation will feature pre-recorded and live material, as well as a special opportunity to interact with our artists through our live chat.