Giovanni Giacomo Gastoldi

Of the music composed by Gastoldi, little is instrumental. That which was, was assuredly for instructional purposes. He maintained positions, at various times, in S Babara (master of counterpoint), Mantua (master of the chapel) and Milan in a non-religious vocation. The compositions for which Gastoldi was famed are his balletos. Most were set for five voices characterized by lyric strains, constant rhythms, balance, non-sense syllables in the refrains, and diatonic, non-modal harmonies. (These characteristics certainly attributed to their popularity for the dance.) Many of his collections were reprinted and influential in that they were imitated by notable composers such as Morley and Vecchi. Gastoldi was also a contemporary of Monteverdi. ~ Keith Johnson