Francesca Caccini

Francesca Caccini (1587-1640) came from a very important musical family, studying music with her father alongside her brother and sister. A noted singer and voice teacher as well, Francesca spent much of her musical career working in the Medici court. She composed the first extant opera by a woman and the first Italian opera that was performed outside of Italy.Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:Primo libro delle musiche a una e due vociEcco ch'io verso il sangueRegina coeliFresche aurette (duet)Non so se quel sorriso (also found in 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers)You can also find music by Francesca's sister Settimia in the 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers.Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA."Exactly" Counter--Ellen 2, Toni 1 ***So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertreeYou can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/