Composer: Elisabetta de Gambarini Background: Born in England in 1731 to an Italian diplomat and a London-based singer, Gambarini was a multi-talented musician. Career: She was a singer who performed in Handel's oratorios, a conductor, and a painter. Key Achievement: In 1748, she became the first female composer in Britain to publish a collection of keyboard music. Influences: Her compositions were highly regarded, and prominent figures like George Frideric Handel and Francesco Geminiani were subscribers to her first published works. The piece: Giga in D, Op. 2 No. 14 Historical Context: The giga (or jig) is an Italian dance that was popular in the Baroque era. It is known for its fast tempo and compound meter, such as 6/8. Technical challenges: Baroque style: The piece requires a strong understanding of Baroque performance practice, including a lively tempo and appropriate ornamentation. Ornaments: Examiners look for clearly executed ornaments, such as the trills in bars 12 and 14, played distinctly. Articulation: While a detached style is an option, examiners often prefer a more stylized articulation, such as slurring the first two quavers in a group of three and detaching the third to create a "dance-like character". Dynamics: The ABRSM edition of the piece leaves dynamics up to the performer's discretion, providing an opportunity for musical interpretation. Lively tempo: Despite the discretionary dynamics, the performance is expected to have a "dance-like character," requiring a lively tempo to capture the composer's intentions. Exam context: ABRSM Grade 6 (2023–2024) Syllabus: "Giga in D" was featured in List A, which typically contains Baroque or Classical pieces. Requirements: For the practical exam, candidates must choose one piece from List A, one from List B, and one from List C. Edition: ABRSM released a specific publication of the Grade 6 exam pieces, which includes the Gambarini giga.
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