Presenter(s): Abigail Kellems
Oral Session 3 O
This project explores the life of Francesca Caccini and her path to both musical and societal success, which were difficult for women of her period to combine. Through talent, work, circumstance, and an understanding of her context, Caccini rose to significance not only in her time, but in ours. Her collection of monodic music (a single vocal line with basso continuo accompaniment) is studied today for knowledge about the Baroque period. Her works illustrate the musical elements in vogue during the Baroque era, such as monody, contrast, and the importance of text. By studying books, dictionaries, and musical scores, I have discovered that Caccini not only survived as a female musician, but flourished. She was educated by her father Giulio Caccini, a well-established composer. By spending almost all of her professional life as a married woman, she was able to elude the shadow of the courtesan that followed most female musicians during her time.She developed many skills, enabling her not only to compose, but also to teach and perform. And her utilization of the patronage system ensured her steady work. By studying her life, we can learn about the challenges that female musicians had to navigate during her era in order to remain in good standing. By studying her music, we can understand the aesthetic values of that society, as well as of music at the time. And by studying her success, musicians can learn how to achieve their own.