Orazio Vecchi
Italian late Renaissance composer and priest Orazio Vecchi was baptised on 6 December 1550 in Modena, where he studied with Salvatore Essenga, a friar from the Order of Servants of Mary, and took holy orders.
He collaborated with Venetian composers to produce a sestina for a ducal marriage, and travelled with Count Baldassare Rangoni to Bergamo and Brescia.
During his career, Vecchi was maestro di cappella at Salò Cathedral, choirmaster at Reggio Emilia Cathedral, a canon at Correggio Cathedral, mansionario at Modena Cathedral and maestro di corte for Duke Cesare d'Este.
He is best known for his madrigals, and for grouping them together into madrigal comedies, often regarded as a precursor to opera. His most famous work, the madrigal comedy L'Amfiparnaso, was first performed in Modena in 1594. He also wrote lighter canzonette and some sacred music.
Orazio Vecchi died in Modena on 19 February 1605, aged fifty-four.
A selection of articles about Orazio Vecchi
Spotlight. Siena Vigils - Gerald Fenech listens to Italian madrigals by Vecchi. 'Inspirational performances ...'
Ensemble. Madrigal comedy - Keith Bramich enjoys I Fagiolini's performances of English and Italian music, old and new