Abstract
While masque texts tell us a great deal about some aspects of musical performance, on other issues they are reticent and equivocal. Textual information is at its most frustratingly perplexed on the question of the extent to which the new Italian monody influenced the music for the Jacobean masque. There is some difficulty in deciding when recitative was first introduced to England, and it depends on the reliability of two references in the 1640 Folio edition of Ben Jonson's Works. In the text of Lovers Made Men performed on the 22 February 1617, Jonson begins by describing the opening scene and then adds, And the whole Maske was sung (after the Italian manner) Stylo recitative, by Master Nicholas Lanier; who ordered and made both the Scene, and the Musicke. (lines 26–28)1
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
