Instrumental Music

Abstract

Abstract Of Rossi’s four instrumental collections, the first two came out almost together (1607—8) while the third was separated by a break of nine years from the fourth (1613, 1622). All four were intended for string instruments, with the exception of the first, which offers the option of playing the upper parts on cornetts. Books 1—2 contain some of the earliest works to be published as instrumental chamber music, or according to Agazzari’s designation, ‘dolci conserti’ (to be contrasted with his other category, the ‘conserti strepitosi e grandi’). A tradition of instrumental music seems to have become established in Mantua by the time of Rossi’s first books. Indeed, a ducal collection of instruments is known from the 1550s, if not earlier. Yet there were no instrumental music publications of Mantuan composers until Rossi’s, which, in their many sinfonie, might have been stimulated by the theatrical activities for the nuptials of the crown prince Francesco.