Product Description: This introductory study traces the history of the madrigal, primarily in Italy but also in England and elsewhere in Northern Europe. Taking full account of new developments since its original publication in 1972, the book emphasizes the musical response of composers to the words of madrigal poetry and considers the literary background of the genre...read more

Product Description: Venice, as well as other northern Italian cities, nurtured the growth of church music, and gave employment to many talented composers. Highlighting Venice's position as a publishing center, this book discusses the impact of the Counter-Reformation on sacred music, the institutions, cities, and towns where church music flourished, and the many liturgical considerations which affected composers' works...read more

Identifies hundreds of composers who worked before 1650, explains technical terms used during that period, and describes early instruments and compositions