Luca Marenzio

• Born: 1553, Coccaglio, Italy
• Died: August 22, 1599, Rome, Italy
• Genres: Classical

Biography

It is possible that Marenzio studied with Contino in Brescia after which he went to Rome. In service to cardinals as well as wealthy patrons, like Luigi d'Este, Marenzio published a plethora of musical settings. While in service there he established himself as an internationally renowned composer. By 1587 he travelled to Verona and worked under the patronage of Ferdinando de' Medici for a short time in Florence. When he returned to Rome, eventually working for Cardinal Aldobrandini, he was allowed to maintain a Vatican apartment. Between '95 and '96 Marenzio was a guest of the Polish court after which he once again returned to Rome. The genres of his compositions included hundreds of madrigals (approximately 400) as well as villanellas, pastorals, and sonnets. His music was set-apart from others because of his magnificent ability to set the proper mood for the text which he successfully conveyed and for his ability to portray images with words and music. The madrigals which Marenzio composed were highly appreciated and popular throughout Italy and England. He also composed approximately seventy five motets replete with religious imagery. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide