Giovanni Maria Artusi

Italian music theorist

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June 18, 2026

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Giovanni Maria Artusi was an Italian music theorist who lived from 1540 to 1613. He is known for his critical stance against the innovative musical practices of his time, particularly those of Claudio Monteverdi. Artusi's writings, such as "Seconda pratica, overo delle imperfettioni della moderna musica" (Second Practice, or on the Imperfections of Modern Music), argued for the preservation of traditional polyphonic styles and criticized the new "seconda pratica" which prioritized text expression over established musical rules. This debate highlighted a significant shift in musical aesthetics during the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, moving towards greater emphasis on emotional expression and dramatic impact in music.123

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Claudio Monteverdi
The Gonzaga court
…attacks by a Bolognese theorist, Giovanni Maria Artusi, in a series of pamphlets, made Monteverdi the most famous composer of the age and provoked him to reply with an important aesthetic statement of his view on the nature of his art. He disclaimed the role of revolutionary, saying that he…
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…attacks by a Bolognese theorist, Giovanni Maria Artusi, in a series of pamphlets, made Monteverdi the most famous composer of the age and provoked him to reply with an important aesthetic statement of his view on the nature of his art. He disclaimed the role of revolutionary, saying that he…
Read More