Printing Music in Renaissance Rome

In Renaissance Italy, Rome was a significant center for music book production, experimenting more readily with the materiality of the book than their Venetian counterparts. Romans became boutique printers, tailoring production to varied market demands and supplying customized volumes. Jane A. Bernstein's book highlights the exceptionalism of Roman music publishing, the innovative printing technologies, and the Church's predominant influence on the book industry. It also analyzes the Roman press's impact on important composers such as Palestrina, Marenzio, Victoria, and Cavalieri. Bernstein reveals a synergistic relationship between music repertories and the materiality of the book, particularly in the post-Tridentine period.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In the vibrant tapestry of sixteenth-century Italy, Rome emerged as a formidable rival to Venice, vying for supremacy in the realm of music book production. Throughout the century, printers in the Eternal City embarked on a remarkable journey of experimentation, pushing the boundaries of the materiality of the book. Unlike their Venetian counterparts, who standardized their printing methods and dominated the international marketplace, the Romans embraced a more diverse and innovative approach. Their ingenuity and willingness to cater to individual clients' needs led to the creation of music editions in a wide array of shapes and sizes, employing an extensive range of printing techniques. They transformed into boutique printers, eschewing techniques, favoring the customization of production to meet the diverse demands of their clientele. By accommodating the unique requirements of their esteemed customers, they supplied bespoke volumes that Venetian presses either could not or would not produce.

In her captivating book, Printing Music in Renaissance Rome, author Jane A. Bernstein provides a sweeping panorama of the cultures of music and the book in Rome from the dawn of printing in 1476 to the early seventeenth century. Bernstein emphasizes the exceptionalism of Roman music publishing, showcasing the innovative printing technologies and book forms devised by Roman bookmen. She delves into the profound influence of the Church on the book industry, and in turn, the Roman press' impact on such renowned composers as Palestrina, Marenzio, Victoria, and Cavalieri. Through the use of innovative publications, Bernstein unveils a symbiotic relationship between music repertories and the materiality of the book.

In particular, she focuses on the post-Tridentine period, a time when musical idioms, both new and old, posed a challenge to printers. They were compelled to employ alternative printing methods and modes of book presentation to create their music editions. This period witnessed a remarkable fusion of artistic expression, where music and the book intertwined in a harmonious dance, creating a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate scholars, artists, and music enthusiasts alike.

Rome's status as a center for music book production in the sixteenth century was a testament to its vibrant cultural heritage and its unwavering commitment to innovation. The Romans' dedication to meeting individual clients' needs resulted in music editions that were not only visually stunning but also technologically advanced. Their willingness to experiment with different printing techniques and their pursuit of customization set them apart from their Venetian counterparts, who, by standardizing their methods, dominated the international marketplace.

Bernstein's book offers a valuable insight into the intricate relationship between music and the book in Renaissance Rome. It sheds light on the creative processes employed by printers and the challenges they faced in adapting to the changing musical landscape. Through her meticulous research and analysis, Bernstein provides a rich tapestry of information that sheds new light on the cultural significance of music publishing during this period.

In conclusion, Printing Music in Renaissance Rome is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, art, and culture. Bernstein's book offers a panoramic view of the cultures of music and the book in Rome from the beginning of printing in 1476 to the early seventeenth century. It emphasizes the exceptionalism of Roman music publishing, showcases the innovative printing technologies and book forms devised by Roman bookmen, and delves into the profound influence of the Church on the book industry. Through its innovative publications and meticulous analysis, Bernstein provides a valuable insight into the intricate relationship between music and the book in Renaissance Rome, leaving a lasting impact on the field of musicology, art history, and literature.

Weight: 734g
Dimension: 162 x 244 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197669617