CONCERT HOMMAGE TO WOMEN
BARBARA STROZZI
An Italian Baroque Composer
Cantatas, airas and duets
Susan Anne Proctor, soprano
Giovanna Bragadin, contralto
Serena Mancuso, baroque cello
Nicola Limon, harpsichord
Conservatorio Benedetto Marcello
Saturday 12 March at 6 p.m.
INTRODUCTION
Dr. Susan Mardinly
Saturday 12 March at 5 p.m.
Born in 1619, Barbara Strozzi was the adopted daughter (perhaps illegitimate) of the judge, poet and author of librettos Giulio Strozzi. She was the student of the famous Francesco Cavali, Director of Music at St. Mark's. In 1637 her adopted father founded the Accademia degli Unisoni. Barbara Strozzi was a member of this academy and recited and sang her own works there. Her compositions, which share certain features with the first early operas, use the "second practice" technique, with simple clear melodies and basso continuo instrumental accompaniment.