The name Barbara Strozzi used to be little known except to a few die hard music lovers. But a new recording has just been made of her work and the opus of this previously forgotten composer is enjoying something of a revival.
She was born illegitimate in Venice in 1619. Her mother was a servant in the house of a nobleman, Guillio Strozzi, and he's believed to be her father.
Strozzi showed musical promise at an early age and was educated by the best musicians in the city. She later became a prolific composer as well as a successful and independent business woman. Henrietta Otley explores the life of this extraordinary women.Donne Barocche Roberta Invernizzi (soprano), Bizzarie Armoniche (Opus 111/Na茂ve OP 30341)
