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Scan 169
The Violin and its Music, 1881
4 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 149. See the scan on archive.org.
1were arranged by an Italian, the famous Baltzar. The family connection of these kings of France with the Medici, together with the intercourse between the Courts of Italy and that of France, throws some light upon the passing of the Violin into France. Returning once more to Monteverde's Opera played at Mantua in 1607, and the Duoi Violini piccoli alla Francese, I am inclined to think the reference to France therein meant nothing more than that Violins were to be used in the fashion of the French, but, in place of accompanying a dance as at Bayonne, the Character indicated in the opera was accompanied by two Violins in a particular part of its music.
3It is now necessary to refer again to the family of the Medici. The encouragement given to music by Lorenzo's son Giovanni, both as Cardinal de Medici and Pope Leo X., developed the art rapidly. Pietro Aaron, a Florentine musician and writer of Leo's time, says, "though he had acquired knowledge in most arts and sciences, he seemed to love, encourage, and exalt music more than any other." We recognise this desire to encourage music and musicians in his having conferred the title of Count on a Violist named Giovan Maria Sansecondo. As Cardinal de Medici he had his house filled with singers and musicians. In the year 1499 he determined to leave Italy and pass some time in travelling through the chief European kingdoms. This resolve it is said was taken chiefly on account of the
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