Alberto da Ripa Biography

Ripa was an exceptional lutenist who played for the Cardinal of Mantua, before Henry VIII in 1529 and in service to Francois I. It appears that Ripa remained in service to the French court for the remainder of his life. He did not publish much of his music and the inconsistencies found therein may be a result of compilations of his daily writings by others. Rough drafts do not tend to make for good copy. This contention, however, may just be giving Ripa the benefit of the doubt. His repute can be appreciated when it is understood that he was mentioned in a great deal of the literature from the times and a number of prominent poets wrote epitaphs in his honor after he died. Many of his works are tablatures of chansons and motets in abbreviated forms. Ripa’s skill at performing polyphonic lute music far out-weighed the import of his compositions.