Marcantonio Negri

Full biography Marcantonio Negri

Marcantonio Negri was an Italian composer, singer, and musical director who lived during the early Baroque period. He was born in Verona, Italy in the late 16th century and was a contemporary of Claudio Monteverdi and other important composers of the time. Negri is known for his contributions to the development of Baroque music and is considered an important figure in the history of Italian Baroque music.

Negri's musical education is not well-documented, but he was most likely trained in Verona, where he spent much of his life. He is known to have been associated with the Accademia Filarmonica in Verona and was appointed musical director of the Accademia in 1615. He also served as musical director for several churches in Verona, including the cathedral of San Pietro.

Negri's most significant works are his madrigals, which were published in several volumes between 1608 and 1619. His madrigals are noted for their inventive harmonies and expressive use of text, and they often feature chromaticism and dissonance. Negri also composed instrumental music, including a collection of canzonas for four voices, which were published in 1620.

Aside from his musical accomplishments, Negri was also an important figure in Veronese intellectual circles and was known for his knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. He died in Verona in 1624 at the age of 60.

Overall, Marcantonio Negri was an important figure in the development of Italian Baroque music and his contributions to the genre have had a lasting impact.