Musicians at the Court of Mantua During Monteverdi’s Time: Evidence from the Payrolls

In the history of the Mantuan court cappella the period from the late 1580s to the 1620s saw that establishment at its most resplendent. Beginning with the reign of Duke VincenzoiGonzaga, who hired Claudio Monteverdi, there was a significant increase in the size and distinction of the personnel and in the number and impressiveness of musical events. By the time of Monteverdi's appointment as maestro di cappella in November 1601, the court cappella had grown far larger than the two other ensembles, its activities were more numerous, and it was clearly the preeminent musical institution in Mantua. In Mantua, Wert continued as director and main composer; presumably Striggio and Pallavicino also contributed music to court performances. By 1609 sopranos were needed at court to replace Caterina Martinelli and Claudia Cattaneo, and probably also the Pelizzari sisters, whose service as singers is by then doubtful.