Chominciamento di Gioia

New beginnings, new joys, those are the hopes a new year brings! Trobár celebrates the start of 2024 in the Italian style, with this trecento "istanpitta." The 14th c. "istanpitta" features a complex repeat scheme, with open and closed endings after each repeated section of new material, but also increasingly more internal repetitions as the piece progresses. The name for this form hints at dance origins (either from the word "estampir" implying stamping of feet, or from the words "stanti pedes" implying standing or low to the ground feet). With its sprightly melodies and infectious rhythms, "Chominciamento di Gioia" does indeed inspire dancing feet, although it must have been a complicated dance given its length, irregular phrases, and bewildering repetitions. But it is very well suited to dance improvisation, so we hope that you turn it up loudly, perhaps while quaffing your favorite spiced drink, and let loose in honour of the new year!

Performers: Elena Mullins Bailey (harp), Allison Monroe (vielle), Allen Otte (percussion)
Audio recording & editing: Ron Boyko
Video recording: Jonathan Goya
Video editing: Guillermo Salas Suárez
Recorded July 6, 2023

With much thanks to Holy Trinity Church in Akron, OH for letting us record in their beautiful space.

Supported by a grant from the Ohio Arts Council and contributions from our wonderful community!