Life
A hinge figure between two eras, his training was completed in the height of late 16th-century Mannerist culture, while his artistic maturity was fully expressed in the first phase of the Baroque.
Primo Bandini was born in Siena in 1570 and was trained in the rich Tuscan polyphonic tradition. Having moved to Rome, he found a fertile environment for his musical career there, thanks to the link with prestigious religious institutions.
Aneddoto
Polyphony in the chapel
Bandini used to rehearse at length with his singers, convinced that polyphonic perfection was born from the harmony between voices rather than from technical complexity.Works
He composed masses and motets that circulated in Roman churches, distinguishing himself for his refined use of counterpoint. His liturgical collections were particularly appreciated by the clergy and contemporary musicians.
In addition to his sacred production, he left pieces for polyphonic choirs intended for solemn occasions, which consolidated his reputation as a serious and devout composer.
Briciole di storia
The election that challenged the King of Spain
In the conclave of 1592, the powerful King of Spain, Philip II, tried in every way to pilot the election, presenting a list of seven cardinals acceptable to him, among whom the name of Giulio Antonio Santori, a severe inquisitor, stood out. His election seemed so certain that the cardinals loyal to Spain were already acclaiming him as the new Pope, but a group of Italian cardinals, jealous of their autonomy and opposed to Spanish interference, firmly resisted. After twenty days of intense negotiations and cross-vetoes, the candidacy of the favorite Santori foundered and, as a compromise figure, that of Cardinal Ippolito Aldobrandini emerged, who was not on the Spanish list. Elected with the name of Clement VIII, his ascent to the papal throne was a defeat for Philip II and a victory for the independence of the papacy from Spanish interference.
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
