18th Annual Student Research Conference
Fine Arts
Isabella d’Este and the Musical Center of Mantua
Annette M. Nicks♦
Dr. Jay Bulen, Faculty Mentor
In Renaissance Italy, women were restricted in ways they could participate in the musical sphere. Ladies of the courts played a large role in influencing the support of not only artists, but also styles of music. One such patron, Isabella d’Este, from the Este family of Ferrara, concentrated on native Italian composers and musicians, such as Cara and Tromboncino. Until Isabella’s arrival in 1490, Mantua had not been noted as a prominent musical center. The main source of court music was principally ceremonial and instrumental, which was provided by the alta cappella, but there were no records of permanent musicians on the payroll. Using her background education in the musical arts, Isabella aided in establishing the frottola as a popular style and supporting the manufacturing of musical instruments.
Keywords: Patronage, Renaissance, Music, Isabella d'Este, Frottola, Mantua, Italy, Lute
Topic(s):Music
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 48-1
Location: OP 2210
Time: 3:45