Maria Cattarina Calegari facts for kids
Cornelia Calegari (born 1644 – died after 1675), also known as Maria Cattarina, was an Italian composer, singer, organist, and nun. She was very famous for her singing in her hometown. At just 15 years old, in 1659, she had her music printed and shared. This was her book of songs called Motetti à voce sola.
Cornelia was born in Bergamo. On April 19, 1661, she promised to be a nun for life at the Benedictine Convent of Santa Margherita in Milan. She took the religious name Maria Cattarina. Her career started during a time when many women musicians and composers were becoming famous in Italian convents. She became one of the most well-known, attracting large crowds from all over. People called her La Divina Euterpe, which means 'The Divine Euterpe'. This name referred to Euterpe, the muse of music.
Calegari wrote many different kinds of music. She created several Masses for six singers with instruments, madrigals, canzonettas, vespers, and other sacred music. She was also known for putting a lot of emotion into her work. This was special because, at that time, most music didn't show much feeling.
In 1663, Archbishop Alfonso Litta and the Catholic Church stopped this musical time. They ordered that no new music could be made or performed for at least three years. This happened because people worried about music and how it affected people's behavior in the region. It is thought that these orders, along with a disagreement with the convent about her spiritual dowry (a kind of payment or gift to the convent), are why all her music disappeared. We only have written accounts that her music once existed.
Some Known Works
Vocal Music
- Madrigali a due voci
- Madrigali e canzonette a voce sola
Sacred Music
- Messe a sei voci con instrumenti
- Motetti à voce sola
- Vespers
