Studies in Italian Sacred and Instrumental Music in the 17th Century

Contents: Preface; Liturgical Practice and Sacred Music: Liturgical problems in Monteverdi's Marian Vespers; The uses of the sonata da chiesa; The use of instruments in sacred music in Italy 1560-1700; The Violoncello and Other Stringed Instruments: From violone to violoncello: a question of strings?; Terminology for the bass violin in 17th-century Italy; Catline strings revisited; Correlli's heritage: the early bass violin in Italy; The making of gut strings in 18th-century Paris; Further thoughts on the history of strings; Notation and Style: The instrumental music of Giovanni Legrenzi; The instrumental music of Giovanni Legrenzi: style and significance; Brossard's practice concerning the use of accidentals and the continuo in his instrumental music; A formal convention in 17th-century Italien instrumental music; General: The use of instruments in the ensemble canzona and sonata in Italy, 1580-1650; Chronological register of documents concerned with music (1583-1710) in Santa Maria Maggiore, Bergamo; The interpretation of notation in music for Italian instrumental ensembles in the mid- to late-17th century; Index.

'There is a higher proportion of articles new to me than I expected, so I was very pleased to have my attention drawn to them, and recommend it to all who perform 17th-century music.' Early Music Review 'Bonta’s writings are essential materials to all those studying the early history of stringed bass instruments and the performance of seventeenth-century Italian instrumental music. The Ashgate collection makes readily available his contributions for generations to come. Although many of Bonta’s arguments for the use of the early bass violin in favor of the G violone may be challenged, it is clear that the field of early stringed bass research owes a debt of gratitude to this scholar. To Stephen Bonta, a sincere thank you for his scholarly spirit, inquisitive nature, and trail-blazing research.' The Online Journal of Bass Research