Something for the 13th Watermaidens Day, and in anticipation of my releasing my debut novel WATERMAIDENS in March 2023, set partially in an alternate-world Venice, and partially in on the island-nation of Yrejveree, surrounded by the Sea of Exiles. I went down a classical music history rabbithole finding out more about women composers from Venice. So, enjoy the fruits of my labour!
Che si può fare — Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677)
Performers: La Capella Mediterranea
- Leonardo García Alarcón, clavecin, orgue et direction
- Rodrigo Calveyra, flûte et cornet
- Marie Bournisien, harpe
- Margaux Blanchard, viole de gambe
- Monica Pustilnik, archiluth et guitare
- Quito Gato, theorbe, guitare and tambour
- Avec Mariana Flores, soprano
Lamento — Antonia Bembo (1640-1720)
Performers:
- Julie Dey, soprano
- Kevin Bourdat, violoncelle baroque
- Parsival Castro, théorbe
- Cyril Pallaud, clavecin
There are two other women composers of Venice that I found, but neither of their music can be found on YouTube. Interestingly, they are both connected to Vivaldi. Camilla Calicchio (1653-1728) was his mother, and he wrote several of his pieces to Anna Maria della Pieta (or del Violin) (1696-1782). My hope is that someday their music will turn up on YouTube.
But, in the meanwhile, a couple more Baroque women composers for your listening pleasure!
Sonata #2 in B-flat — Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729 )
Performers: Pegasus Early Music and NYS Baroque
- Adriane Post and Boel Gidholm, violins
- Lisa Terry, viola da gamba
- Naomi Gregory, harpsichord
- Deborah Fox, theorbo
Sonata Duodecima in D minor for violin solo and continuo — Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704)
Performers: Bizzarrie Armoniche
- Roberta Invernizzi – soprano
- Elena Russo – director,cello