Barbara Strozzi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Barbara Strozzi
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The Viola da Gamba Player, c. 1630–1640, by Bernardo Strozzi, believed to be of Barbara Strozzi. It is unclear whether the painter is immediately related to the Strozzi family.
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Barbara Valle
6 August 1619 |
| Died | 11 November 1677 (aged 58) |
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Barbara Strozzi (baptised 6 August 1619 – 11 November 1677) was an Italian composer and singer. She lived during the Baroque Period. This was a time of grand and dramatic music.
Barbara Strozzi was very special. She published eight books of her own music. She had more non-religious music printed than any other composer of her time. This was amazing because she did not get help from the Church. She also did not have steady support from rich families.
Contents
Barbara Strozzi's Early Life
Growing Up in Venice
Barbara Strozzi was born in Venice, Italy, in 1619. Her birth name was Barbara Valle. She was baptised in the church of Santa Sofia. Her mother was known as "La Greghetta."
Barbara's father was likely Giulio Strozzi. He was a famous poet and writer in Venice. Giulio was part of a very important group called the Accademia degli Incogniti. This group included many smart people. Giulio wrote poems, operas, and songs. Barbara and her mother lived in Giulio's home. Giulio called Barbara his "adopted daughter." He helped her become a musician. Barbara grew up around many talented writers and musicians.
Becoming a Young Musician
When Barbara was a child, Venice faced serious plagues. Many people died, but Barbara and her mother survived. By the time she was 12, Barbara was showing great musical talent. She had an amazing singing voice. She also learned to play instruments like the lute and theorbo.
Giulio Strozzi saw her talent. He arranged for her to have lessons with Francesco Cavalli. He was one of the top composers of that time. By age 15, people called Barbara "Giulio Strozzi's incredibly talented singer."
Around her 16th birthday, Giulio started to tell everyone about her music. He even had other musicians dedicate their works to her. Giulio then created a special music group called the Accademia degli Unisoni. This group met at the Strozzi home. It gave Barbara chances to sing and perform her own songs. In 1637, when she was 18, Barbara took her father's last name, Strozzi.
Barbara Strozzi's Adult Life
Family and Later Years
Not much is known about Barbara's life in the 1640s. She had at least three, and possibly four, children. Her son was also named Giulio Strozzi. Two of her daughters later joined a convent. One of her sons became a monk.
Barbara Strozzi died in Padua in 1677. She was 58 years old. She is thought to be buried at Eremitani. She did not leave a will. Her son Giulio Pietro received all her belongings.
Barbara Strozzi's Music Career
Early Professional Steps
By her late teens, Barbara was well-known for her singing. In 1635 and 1636, two books of songs were published. They praised Barbara's singing skills. Her performances helped her become a great composer.
Barbara tried to get support from powerful people. Her second published work was for Ferdinand III of Austria and Eleanora of Mantua. But it did not get much attention. She also dedicated works to other important people. These included Anne de' Medici and Nicolò Sagredo. He later became the leader of Venice.
A Prolific Composer
Barbara Strozzi was called "the most productive composer" of printed vocal music in Venice. This included both men and women. Most of her music was for non-religious topics. She only published one book of sacred songs.
She was also known for her poetic skills. Her song lyrics were often very beautiful and clear.
Her Musical Style
Like many composers of her time, Strozzi often used poems by Marino. She used these poems to express herself. She also used them to challenge ideas about women in her time.
Her first book of madrigals, published in 1644, was dedicated to Vittoria della Rovere. She was a Grand Duchess. The words for this music came from a poem by her father, Giulio Strozzi.
Barbara also wrote religious music. Her fifth published work, from 1655, was for Anna de Medici. Her song "Mater Anna" honored both a Catholic saint and the Archduchess. Strozzi was very good at finding hidden meanings in her song texts. She often hinted at issues about gender in her music.
Barbara Strozzi's Published Works
- Il primo libro di madrigali, op. 1 (1644) – This was her first book of madrigals.
- Cantate, ariette e duetti, op. 2 (1651) – A collection of cantatas, ariettas, and duets.
- Cantate e ariette, op. 3 (1654) – More cantatas and ariettas.
- Sacri musicali affetti, libro I, op. 5 (1655) – Her book of sacred (religious) music.
- Quis dabit mihi, mottetto per 3 voci (1656) – A motet for three voices.
- Ariette a voce sola, op. 6 (1657) – Ariettas for a single voice.
- Diporti di Euterpe ovvero Cantate e ariette a voce sola, op. 7 (1659) – Cantatas and ariettas for a single voice.
- Arie a voce sola, op. 8 (1664) – Arias for a single voice.
See also
In Spanish: Barbara Strozzi para niños
- Women in Music
- List of Baroque Composers
- List of Classical Composers
