The Excellence of Women: Casulana & Strozzi
After 400 years, the Fieri Consort reveal the newly-discovered madrigals of Maddalena Casulana alongside works by another of Italy’s greatest composers, Barbara Strozzi.
In one of the most important discoveries of recent years, the lost alto part-book of Maddalena Casulana’s 1583 First Book of five-voice madrigals has been found by Professor Laurie Stras. Read more about her discovery here.
Living at a time in which women’s creativity was often stifled, Casulana (1544-1590) and her compatriot Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) were only too aware their music would be judged inferior to men’s.
This concert presents Casulana’s madrigals as a fresh perspective on Strozzi’s works, celebrating both composers’ skill with words and music.
Casulana (from the dedication in her first book of 1566):
“these first fruits of mine, flawed as they are…show the world the futile error of men who believe themselves patrons of the high gifts of intellect, which according to them cannot also be held in the same way by women.”
Performances
May 3rd 2024 - album launch concert, UK
Premiered Tuesday 8th March 2022 - Kings Place, London (Broadcast live on BBCR3 - Recordings available on request).
“It was the delightful variety of ensemble that made this concert so satisfying – excellent in its conception, planning and performance.”
This programme features 6 singers as well as harp, lutes and viola da gamba.
Commercial album coming Spring 2024!
