Giorgio Mainerio

Though Mainerio was the cappellano and mansionario at Udine Cathedral and the mansionario, adminstrator of the chapter and later master of the chapel at Aquileia Cathedral his most important work is found in his "Il primo de balli." This composiional collection of dances is extant and provides an important source of instrumental dance music, in ensemble structures, from the last half of the sixteenth century. It contains twenty one four-part dances with twelve of the dances followed by a second paired dance. The foundations of the twenty one pieces are arranged according to two emphases: harmony and meter, and, melody. The sacred compositions by Mainerio demonstrate counterpoint, forceful harmonies, and homophonic styling in pieces for greater numbers of instruments. ~ Keith Johnson