Overview

Agostino Agazzari (c.1580-c.1642) has long been recognized as one of the most prominent theorists of the early Baroque. The enduring fame of his 1607 treatise on the basso continuo has, however, overshadowed his equally significant contributions as a composer. And for all his renown, relatively little has been written about his professional career in Siena. This book not only provides the first comprehensive study of his life and sacred works, it also opens a window on musical culture in Siena during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Through the use of archival materials, the author documents Agazzari's long association with the Sienese Cathedral and furnishes valuable information on the personnel, repertory, and performance practices there. She argues for a reassessment of the influences that shaped the composer's style and challenges the generally held view that Sienese culture stagnated after the fall of the Republic in 1555. The book contributes significantly to our knowledge of musical life in the Tuscan `City of the Virgin'.

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9780198162728

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'Reardon gives a comprehensive description of his motets and their style. Reardon should be congratulated for this volume which has really expanded our understanding of the early Baroque.' Graham Dixon, Classical Music 'Reardon presents the sources as if we were with her in the archives, and directs us to the unanswered questions ... it is good to have a first glimpse behind the facade of the City of the Virgin, overshadowed by other cities in the musical domain but clearly of enormous fascination.' Richard Langham Smith, The Musical Times, November 1994 '... it is good to have a first glimpse behind the facade of the City of the Virgin, overshadowed by other cities in the musical domain but clearly of enormous fascination.' Richard Langham Smith. The Musical Times. Nov '94 she clears up misconceptions and for the first time presents a coherent life story, with sensible hypotheses where documented information is in short supply. She is a knowledgeable guide ... Her account, descriptive rather than analytical, is well illustrated with music examples ... a well-focused study of a major part of Agazzari's output ... carefully related to his working environment. The book is attractively produced, and Reardon writes well, making for an easy and at times fascinating read ... the book can most certainly be recommended to anyone interested in Italian music of the Seicento. Noel O'Regan, Music & Letters It is fascinating ground to break from several points of view. We are given a good introduction to this music by Reardon, who picks a wide selection from an extensive legacy and arouses curiosity. Richard Langham Smith, The Musical Times, November 1994 Abundant musical examples richly illustrate the book. Restoration Cathedral Music ... has attained the high ideal of the Oxford Studies in British Church music series as articulated by its general editor. Through his advocacy and interpretation, Spink has provided an extraordinary survey of the musical sources and the archives of the important foundations of the Restoration period. Stephen Town, Northwest Missouri State University, Choral Journal, December 1996 fine new book ... musicologists are fortunate to have her descriptions to rely upon Jonathan E. Glixon, University of Kentucky, Renaissance Quarterly

'Reardon gives a comprehensive description of his motets and their style. Reardon should be congratulated for this volume which has really expanded our understanding of the early Baroque.' Graham Dixon, Classical Music 'Reardon presents the sources as if we were with her in the archives, and directs us to the unanswered questions ... it is good to have a first glimpse behind the facade of the City of the Virgin, overshadowed by other cities in the musical domain but clearly of enormous fascination.' Richard Langham Smith, The Musical Times, November 1994 '... it is good to have a first glimpse behind the facade of the City of the Virgin, overshadowed by other cities in the musical domain but clearly of enormous fascination.' Richard Langham Smith. The Musical Times. Nov '94 `she clears up misconceptions and for the first time presents a coherent life story, with sensible hypotheses where documented information is in short supply. She is a knowledgeable guide ... Her account, descriptive rather than analytical, is well illustrated with music examples ... a well-focused study of a major part of Agazzari's output ... carefully related to his working environment. The book is attractively produced, and Reardon writes well, making for an easy and at times fascinating read ... the book can most certainly be recommended to anyone interested in Italian music of the Seicento.' Noel O'Regan, Music & Letters `It is fascinating ground to break from several points of view. We are given a good introduction to this music by Reardon, who picks a wide selection from an extensive legacy and arouses curiosity.' Richard Langham Smith, The Musical Times, November 1994 `Abundant musical examples richly illustrate the book. Restoration Cathedral Music ... has attained the high ideal of the Oxford Studies in British Church music series as articulated by its general editor. Through his advocacy and interpretation, Spink has provided an extraordinary survey of the musical sources and the archives of the important foundations of the Restoration period.' Stephen Town, Northwest Missouri State University, Choral Journal, December 1996 `fine new book ... musicologists are fortunate to have her descriptions to rely upon' Jonathan E. Glixon, University of Kentucky, Renaissance Quarterly

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