Compositions dedicated to the Tyrolean Habsburg princesses
This concert will feature a whole series of recent premieres: The programme includes sacred vocal works from collections dedicated to female members of the Tyrolean line of the Habsburg dynasty. Anna de’ Medici is the dedicatee of the collection “Sacri musicali affetti” with sacred compositions by the Venetian Barbara Strozzi. The Italian composer Maurizio Cazzati, one of the most renowned and influential musical personalities in northern Italy in the 17th century, was extraordinarily eager to compose and not only gave a dedication to the Tyrolean princess Anna de’ Medici, but also to her sister-in-law Isabella Clara, who resided in Mantua as Duchess. Cazzati dedicated his fourth book of motets for solo voice and basso continuo to Anna and his sixth book to Isabella Clara. Andrea Mattioli worked at the court of Isabella Clara and Carlo Gonzaga as court chapelmaster; he dedicated his collection of motets “Harmonia sacra” to the sister of his employer, Claudia Felice. Claudia Felice had married Emperor Leopold I in 1673. She shared an extraordinary passion for music with her husband, her sister and her sister-in-law, sang, played several instruments and even composed. With their enthusiasm for music, the Tyrolean Habsburg princesses were worthy dedicatees.
BONUS: 6 pm introduction with music
