THE BAROQUE REBEL GIRL

BARBARA STROZZI

Barbara Strozzi knew from a young age that most of the men in her social circles would not approve of her involvement with music. And with how the Accademia reacted to her being a performer, she knew they were willing to go to extreme lengths to spread rumors. Written in the preface of Il primo libro di madrigali (“First Book of Madrigals”), Barbara, age 25, expresses her fears,

“I reverently consecrate this first work, which I, as a woman, all too ardently send forth into the light, to the august name of Your Highness, so that under your Oak of Gold it may rest secure from the lightening bolts of slander prepared for it."

She faced so much public scrutiny for being a woman in music however, that did not stop her from publishing eight books of madrigals (125 pieces of vocal music) between 1644 and 1664. Although she was an accomplished composer in her own right, she did not make much money. She had four children with Giovanni Paolo Vidman, nobleman, though they never married; she was considered a concubine, mistress. There are rumors that Barbara was coerced into the relationship. And knowing that she sent her two daughters to a convent in order to study the arts without having to worry about marrying a man for financial stability shows that she never wanted to marry Vidman nor did she want her children to face the same situation as her.

She just wanted a means to do her work and ensure that her children would receive inheritance from the Vidmans. When she passed away at 58 years old, she had little wealth and property to show for her success. There may not have been much wealth left behind, but at least all but one book of madrigals has survived the test of time and is performed today.

The men of her era tried to erase her legacy but Barbara stood her ground and made a name for herself. She was that girl and is still that girl. She is the Baroque Rebel Girl.