I have a very nerdy obsession with variations on a ground, and this boisterous set by Salamone Rossi was a perfect way to start the week. Sending gratitude to all my Jewish friends, and may your fast be easy.
Composer borrowing
Is imitation really "stealing" or is it "homage"? This video explores the theme of composers borrowing, stealing, copying, or rewriting pieces and then publishing them anew.
Castello Sonata Prima!
My listening examples are often vocal music (a side effect of being a singer), but what about the development of instrumental solo genres? Early Music Sources takes this on in a fantastic video with shoutouts to Dario Castello and Salomone Rossi!
Salomone Rossi and his Innovations
Composer Salomone Rossi is an important Jewish composer of the late Renaissance/early Baroque periods. But did you also know that he worked with Monteverdi, bridged the gap between the "old" and "new" styles, and wrote madrigals? Early Music Sources has all the details!
Music for Chanukah
An Early Music Monday post for my friends celebrating Chanukah! Renaissance sacred music includes more than just Christian liturgies. Salamone Rossi was a celebrated composer and court musician, and also a devout Jew. This article is from a few years ago (so the performance info is out of date), but the synopsis about Rossi is excellent!
A Renaissance Composer, Actively Jewish When That Wasn’t Easy