Francesca Caccini´s Il primo libro delle musiche 1618

This edition includes seventeen secular monodies for one and two voices with figured bass from Il primo libro delle musiche of 1618 by Francesca Caccini (1587-ca. 1640). With text translations, biographical and stylistic essays, and recommendations on performance practice, this volume will prove useful for both performers and scholars.

Francesca Caccini (1587—ca.1640) was an accomplished composer, singer, and instrumentalist in the tradition of the Florentine Camerata. Her 1618 volume Il primo libro delle musiche was dedicated to her patron the Cardinal de´ Medici (1596—1666).

This modern critical edition presents 17 secular monodies for one and two voices with figured bass accompaniment from this landmark collection. The book includes text translations, biographical and stylistic essays, recommendations on performance practice, and other commentary.

Ronald James Alexander (1961-1990) received a Master of Music Degree at the University of California at Davis, and, at the time of his death, was enrolled in the Ph.D. program in musicology at Stanford University. An avid sports enthusiast and versatile musician, he studied classical guitar and lute at California State University at Sacramento.

Guitarist and lutist Richard Savino is active as featured performer, concerto soloist, and accompanist. His recordings include a collection of monodies by Barbara Strozzi with soprano Emanuela Galli and Ensemble Gallilei (Stradivarius, Milano). He is presently Professor of Music at the California State University at Sacramento.