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Luis Milán

Fantasía [05] del segundo tono

 

El Maestro (1536), fol. B6

mi005

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Source title Esta fantasia que aqui debaxo esta escrita es del segundo tono: y tambien se ha de tañer con el compas batido o apresurado. y va por los terminos que anda la fantasia del segundo tono passado.
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Music

Category abstract

Genre fantasia

Fantasia type ImP

Mode 2

Voices 3

Length (compases) 115

Vihuela

Tuning A

Courses 6

Final V/0

Highest I/3

Lowest VI/0

Difficulty not specified

Tempo fast

Song Text

Language

Vocal notation

Commentary

One of the mode 2 fantasias of Milán’s first modal cycle. This fantasia is similar and length and style to those surrounding it. It is an interesting work whose beginning is typical of fantasía style in general, although the following features clearly point to Milán’s authorship: The awkward of unusual modulation (bars 6-7) and the subsequent repeat (13-21) of the transposed second exposition (7-12).

The work may easily be broken into eleven episodes based on themes, textures and cadential separation: 1 (1-21); 2 (22-32); 3 (32-40); 4 (41-55); 5 (55-62); 6 (63-72); 7 (73-83); 8 (83-94); 9 (94-100); 10 (101-109); 11 (108-115).
There is considerable thematic interrelationship between episodes, such that broader groupings of structural units must be possible. Episodes 3, 7 and 10 are all built from the same material and are perhaps used to terminate three large sections with episode 11 being a dramatic postscript. Similarly, Episodes 5, 6, 8 & 11 and all built from the same material. There is definitely a stylistic process difference between episodes 1 & 2 and 4ff, with episodes 3 being a link.
Themes 1 & 2 are respectively introduced in the first two episodes and are treated imitatively. The two themes are similar in many ways yet outwardly different. The two episodes are welded into homogeneity. Episode 3 serves to link the episodes that flank it, as well as having intrinsic beauty. It comprises an Alto voice sequence on tonal/modal chords I, IV & V of F, cadencing onto V. The tail of themes 2 & 3 are similar, also providing smooth transition. Theme 4 is little more than an extension of 3, although its treatment in a separate episode is obvious. Its 2 statements, in transposition the 2nd time, are terminated by homophony of parallel 10ths with a free inner voice. Episode 5 introduces the descending material of theme 5, interlocked with (and odd) plagal cadence for modal reasons. Free melodic style, to dramatic ebb at 62. The top voice (63-65) is new —it becomes important later in episode 9 . Imitation brings back 5b theme as the basis for episode 6. Sequence of material from 3rd theme lowers tension (episode 7) with homophonic melody as tail. Theme 5 is reintroduced (episode 8) as in episode 6 but shortened head whose original form is treated in tension building imitation (ep 9). Episode 10 is a final assertion of material from episode 3 with a homophonic tail, twice stated. Theme 5a is then stated as conclusion in triumph. There is no logical account form the form. Drama of ideas/sound through time as an improv(semi) process.

Song Text

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