Antonio Valente, a blind composer and organist, published one of the first keyboard anthologies in Naples in 1576, using a unique 'Neapolitan tablature for keyboard' that likely aided sightless musicians.
Cultural Impact
The introduction of musical opera in Naples in 1649-1650, initially with revivals of works by Cavalli and Monteverdi, was a novelty that would profoundly change the history of European music.
Composition History
The 'Festa a Ballo' was a court performance genre in Naples that delighted viceroys and nobles for decades, often featuring armed riders on horseback emerging from a stage set mountain.
Historical Context
During the 17th century, Naples was Europe's most populous city after Constantinople, with 400,000 inhabitants.
Composer Biography
Gregorio Strozzi, an organist, priest, and canon at Naples Cathedral, composed music in his youth under the influence of Gesualdo, Salvatore, and Frescobaldi.
Performer Biography
Christian Zincke, a viola da gamba player, loves researching 'unheard-of' music in libraries and online, and publishes some of his discoveries in score editions.
Historical Context
Naples experienced catastrophic events in the 17th century, including two plague epidemics (1630, 1656), the eruption of Vesuvius (1631), and the anti-Spanish revolt led by Masaniello (1647-48).
