Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) was one of only a few women in her era to publish her own music, and she wasn’t afraid to try new things while she did it.
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know -- but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Leading Ladies, Activists, STEMinists, Hometown Heroes, and many more. Encyclopedia Womannica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
Encyclopedia Womannica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Cinthia Pimentel, Grace Lynch, and Maddy Foley. Special thanks to Shira Atkins, Edie Allard, and Luisa Garbowit.
We are offering free ad space on Wonder Media Network shows to organizations working towards social justice. For more information, please email Jenny at jenny@wondermedianetwork.com.
This episode is brought to you by Function of Beauty. Function of Beauty is hair care that is formulated specifically for you. No matter your hair type, they create shampoo, conditioner, and treatments to fit your unique needs. So what are you waiting for? Go to FunctionOfBeauty.com/Jenny to take your four part hair profile quiz and save 20% on your first order.
Follow Wonder Media Network:
Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan. And this is Encyclopedia Womannica.
Today we’re talking about a prolific composer. She was one of only a few women in her era to publish her own music, and she wasn’t afraid to try new things while she did it. Meet Barbara Strozzi.
Barbara Strozzi was born in Venice, Italy in 1619. Her mother was Isabella Garzoni, a servant in the household of the famous poet Giulio Strozzi. While Giulio became Barbara’s adoptive father, it’s possible that he was also her biological father. Either way, Giulio was a profound influence and source of support in Barbara’s life.
When Barbara was young, she received an education in music and composition. Giulio used his connections with Venice’s artistic and cultural elite to provide his daughter with opportunities. In 1637, Giulio created a music-focused branch of an intellectual organization he attended.
Barbara hosted the group and performed some of her music at gatherings. There, she was also exposed to other academically-minded musicians, some of whom dedicated volumes of music to her.
Barbara first launched her composing career in 1644 with a volume called “First Book of Madrigals.”
She dedicated the book to the grand duchess of Tuscany, she wrote: “so that under an oak of gold it may rest secure against the lightning of slander prepared for it.” In other words, she was ready for some serious criticism, particularly due to her gender! But the musical community ended up largely appreciating her work. She did face some accusations that she was a courtesan.
Barbara’s music was typically secular, while many other male composers of the era focused on creating music for the church. Barbara was one of the most influential secular composers of the time and gained a rare amount of public recognition for a woman in her position. The men in the field generally wrote more music than she did, but Barbara ensured that more of her music was published than theirs.
From 1644 to 1664, Barbara published eight books of music, though one of them has since been lost. This high volume of work indicates that Barbara’s music was well-liked. However, after Giulio passed away in 1652, Barbara may have faced some financial troubles. She was Giulio’s only heir, but didn’t seem to receive any money after his death. Publishing so much music may have been an attempt to find financial stability.
Even after Giulio passed away, Barbara’s work was profoundly influenced by him. Most of her compositions were based on texts, perhaps a result of her father figure’s poetic background. She used a technique called recitativo parlando, meaning she emphasized the words in her music with minimal musical accompaniment. Barbara’s bold, experimental style influenced music for generations to come, and cemented her place as one of the few female Italian composers of the era still studied today.
Not much is known about Barbara’s life after her final publication in 1664. Though she occasionally liked to sing her own work and associated with famous opera composers of the era, she never performed an opera. She also never married, but she did have four children who she raised as a single mother. Her two daughters joined a convent, and one of her sons became a monk.
Barbara Strozzi passed away November 11, 1677 in Padua, Italy.
All month we’re talking about musicians. For more on why we’re doing what we’re doing, check out our newsletter, Womannica Weekly. You can also follow us on facebook and instagram @EncyclopediaWomannica and you can follow me directly on twitter @jennymkaplan.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!