Antonio Gardano (ca. 1500 -1571) was of Frech descent. In 1537 he established himself in Venice, both as a musician and as a printer and Publisher. His early publications contain mostly works by French composers, mainly edited by Attaignant. Gardano's own compositions were vere popular, many being reprinted in France, Germany and in Italy. His il primo libro de canzoni francese a due voci appeared in 1539 and was reprinted many times (1544,1552, 1564, 1586 and in 1635).

The 16th century suddenly demonstrates a great want of two part music. In many Mass-settings, a 2 part piece is found, but also especially written for instruments in all forms like fantasies, ricercares, fugues and madrigals etc. These pieces are called bicinium (bicinia).

The work by Gardano contains 2 part french songs, mostly with texts, about love.

ernst stolz viola da gamba and video 06-08

Edition: tweestake, XYZET Amsterdam (1972)