Claudio Saracini

Being of noble birth brought Saracini into contact with a number of prominent figures and allowed him to travel beyond the borders of Italy. His music betrays certain Balkan and Germanic influences which would be difficult to acquire without having traveled to those places. Saracini probably met Monteverdi and did visit in the home of the Duchess of Brunswick and the Archbishop of Bologna. He also dedicated works to the Duchess of Ruffano and to Prince Alfonso d'Este of Modena probably visiting in their homes as well. Saracini is considered to be in the company of Sigismondo d'India when it comes to the quality of his work. Monody was his strength including over one hundred and twenty surviving songs. They involve ariosos, laments, extended recitatives, and many songs that were strophic. Saracini was able to be true to the textual data and give strict attention to the content. His musical passages at times seem individualistic and dandyish (excuse the anachronism) with unusual intervals -- diminished fifths -- and chordal progressions and harmonies. On occasion, however, Saracini would adhere to tonality and form. "Piu lieto il guardo" and "Pallidetta qual viola" are two strophic songs by Saracini that exhibit his formality and informality, respectively. ~ Keith Johnson