Isabella Leonarda was one of the most important composers of sacred music in the latter 17th century and perhaps the most notable among the female composers of her time. Even though she was already composing by age 20, four years after she entered the Convent of St. Ursula in Novara which would be her home until her death in 1704, she didn’t compose regularly until she was over the age of 50. However, once she was on a roll, there was no stopping: all but a few dozen of her works date from after 1670. We’ll get to hear from her many motets, psalm settings, vocal trios, plus movements from her Concerted Mass, Op.4, Naturally, she’ll feature on the Sunday sonata as well, especially since she is the first woman composer to have sonatas published under her name. We’ll also get a listen to the music of her teacher, the talented but little-known composer Gasparo Casati.
RTÉ lyric fm, Sunday 22nd February, 7am-10am
