Aspects of Performance Practice in Bologna in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries: a Study of Archival Sources

At the end of 16th century, Bologna was one of the
most influential cities of the Papal States and culturally
one of the main centres in Italy where a network of
political and artistic forces connected the activities of
civic and church institutions. The Concerto Palatino of
the Signoria of Bologna took part in liturgical and paraliturgical
events that included musical instruments in
the vocal ensemble where the various combinations of
voices and instruments offered new sonic solutions that
influenced the development of local musical repertoires.
The civic church of San Petronio was one of the main
centres of musical innovation of the city and its archival
sources allow for a reconstruction of local performance
practice at the beginning of the seventeenth century.