The "Fantasie" of Mikołaj Zieleński and the Early Baroque tradition of diminution and ensemble instrumental music

Contrary to the common opinion of scholars, the comparison of Zieleński’s fantasias with Italian diminution manuals and ensemble instrumental music from the turn of the 17th century shows that the works in question should not be perceived as ricercar-like pieces still rooted in the tradition of the 16th century. The pieces give evidence of the composer’s familiarity with the latest Baroque tendencies present in ensemble music of his time, as demonstrated in the emancipation of the melody in his works from vocal patterns. As for the level of proficiency of the instrumental language, the fantasias by Zieleński are regarded as more advanced compared to the chamber music by well-acclaimed instrumentalists of the era, such as Gabrieli or Frescobaldi.