Monteverdi and Seconda Pratica: Music Should be at the Ser-vice of the Word

Abstract

This article provides insight into the music of the late Renaissance and early Baroque in Italy. Com-poser Claudio Monteverdi was one of the most important figures in the music of the early Italian Baroque. We consider the events that led to the creation of the new early Baroque style – Seconda pratica - (second practice) and describe the significant changes in vocal music that took place with the aim to depart from strict counterpoint at the turn of the 16th century. Keywords: Claudio Monteverdi; Seconda pratica; Venetian school; Madrigalisms; Ornamentation