Dalza, Joan Ambrosio (lived 1508)

Italian lutenist and composer, active in Milan. In 1508 he composed and arranged a book of lute pieces for Ottaviano Petrucci. Pieces in the collection include 42 dances (in nine suites), ricercares, and four arrangements of vocal pieces. Pavans appear here for the first time in print; each is followed by a saltarello (lively dance incorporating jumps) and piva (a quick dance in triple time, originally performed to the accompaniment of bagpipes).