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Revision as of 06:08, 11 November 2004 by Antandrus (talk | contribs) (wikify Venetian school)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Dario Castello (15?–1630?) was an Italian composer and instrumentalist from the early Baroque period, who worked and published in Venice. He was a late member of the Venetian School, and played a part in the early transformation of the instrumental canzona into the sonata.
Biographical Details
We have no biographical information about Castello at all; even his birth and death dates are unknown, although it is thought he may have died during the great plague of 1630. Certainly he published no new music after this date. The title page of one of his publications simply records him as Capo di Compagnia de Musichi d'Instrumenti (head of the company of instrumental musicians) and he was probably associated with St. Mark's, where Claudio Monteverdi was maestro di capella. Castello's use of the stile concitato—quick repeated-note figures—further suggests association with Monteverdi.
In addition, there are records of other instrumentalists working at St Mark's named Castello, and it is possible they were relatives of Dario.
Style
Of his music, 29 separate compositions survive. Castello's music is inventive and technically challenging. Strictly worked polyphonic sections alternate with dramatic recitatives over basso continuo, in keeping with the title of the publications "in stil moderno"; however he also uses some of the older canzona technique, which uses short sections of highly contrasting texture, and active rather than lyrical melodic lines. Unusually for the time, Castello often specifies the instruments for each part, calling for cornetti, violins, sackbutts and dulcians. That these works were still being reprinted in the 1650s attests to Castello's influence.
Works
- Sonate Concertate in Stil Moderno, Libro I, Venice, 1621
- Sonate Concertate in Stil Moderno, Libro II, Venice, 1629
- Exultate Deo, motet (1625 and 1636)