Le Nuove Musiche

The two collections named Nuove Musiche (1602 and 1614) by Caccini have a prominent place amongst the numerous publications which concern the opera and the stilo rappresentativo. These madrigals and airs were composed during a twenty years period, and show a large variety of expressions.

In a long introduction, the composer and singer explains many elements of singing and interpreting the pieces. He talk about his own experiences and illustrate his text with detailed examples, which make of this account a reference concerning vocal interpretation.

In the pieces of the collection, the composer use the new invention of thorough-bass and take his texts from great Italian poets like Tasso, Petrarca, Rinuccini, Chiabrera or Guarini.