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Poets and musicians in the Roman-Florentine circle of Virginio Orsini, Duke of Bracciano (1572–1615)

2015; Oxford University Press; Volume: 43; Issue: 1 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1093/em/cau131

1741-7260

Valerio Morucci,

Reformation and Early Modern Christianity

The Orsini were one of the most powerful baronial families of early modern Rome. Although the family’s contribution to the development of Italian art has been recognized, its role in the patronage of music has not yet received the full attention of music historians. Based on extensive documentary and archival research, this study focuses on artistic activity at the court of Duke Virginio Orsini (1572–1615). By providing new information on composers working under his secular influence, among whom are Giulio Caccini, Luca Marenzio and Emilio de’ Cavalieri, and some prominent singers of that time, I reveal the existence of a Roman–Florentine circle of musicians and poets who gravitated towards the courts of the Orsini and the Medici, and played a significant role in the flourishing of poetry and music.