Albert de Rippe (also known as Alberto da Ripa da Mantova) was an Italian lutenist and composer of the 16th century. He was born in Mantua and worked there before joining the court of Francis I in France in 1528. At the French court, he was held in high esteem and was paid a double salary compared to other lutenists. De Rippe's lute music was unique for its time as it was independent of vocal music and was expressive, intricate, and virtuosic. This expansion of possibilities for instrumental music was reflected in his six published volumes of fantasias, intabulations, and dances, posthumously compiled by his student, Guillaume de Morlaye. De Rippe's lute music had a lasting influence on keyboard works of the following century, thanks to its rich counterpoint and virtuosic writing. Recommended for Intermediate and Advanced Performers