Francesco Durante (1684-1755): Toccata in c minor

Franceso Durante was born in Frattamaggiore (Italy). His father died when he was 15 years old, whereupon he moved to Naples and continued his musical education with his uncle Angelo, who was the director of a music conservatory there. He himself later taught at the conservatory, and was the teacher of Pergolesi. He later became head of a more important conservatory, and did a fine job raising its standards. Durante was a prolific composer, and his harpsichord works are in a style quite “modern” for their time. He died in 1755; it is said that indigestion caused by eating a melon caused his death. The present work, an extended toccata, is in effect a series of variations, some of them quite virtuosic. Did I hear that right? You still haven’t seen my books on music? Well, here they are... 1) How to Memorize Music – A Practical Approach for Non-Geniuses 2) How to overcome Stage Fright − The ultimate Guide for performing Musicians 3) Pla