Ercole Bottrigari Italian humanist, music theorist, poet and composer Date of Birth: 24.08.1531 Country: Italy

1. Ercole Bottrigari
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Involvement and Marriage
4. Later Years and Controversies
5. Contributions to Music Theory
6. Legacy and Unfinished Works

Ercole Bottrigari

Ercole Bottrigari, an Italian humanist, music theorist, poet, and composer, was born into an aristocratic family in Bologna. As an illegitimate son of Giovanni Battista Bottrigari, he was acknowledged by his father in 1538.

Early Life and Education

During his youth, Bottrigari delved into various fields of study. He mastered classical languages under F. Lucchino in Trento and immersed himself in architecture, painting, and music. His mentors included G. Ranuzzi for architecture and B. Spontone for music.

Political Involvement and Marriage

In 1546, with the support of his father, Bottrigari established a printing press in Bologna. From the early 1550s until the mid-1570s, he actively engaged in politics in Bologna. In 1551, he married Lucrezia Usberti, who remained his lifelong companion until her passing in 1591.

Later Years and Controversies

From 1576 to 1586, Bottrigari resided in Ferrara, where he befriended the renowned poet Torquato Tasso. Towards the end of 1586, he retired to his family villa, Villa Sant'Alberto, where he pursued his scholarly endeavors. During this period, Bottrigari interacted with influential musicians and scholars, including Gioseffo Zarlino, Ciro Spontone, and Annibale Melone. He also became embroiled in a heated polemic with Giovanni Artuzi, accusing him of plagiarism from his unpublished work, "Il Trimerone." The debate, which centered on the interpretation of ancient Greek musical theory, continued until 1604.

Contributions to Music Theory

As a prominent humanist, Bottrigari was well-versed in Greek musical treatises. He translated classical works from Greek and Latin into Italian, including Boethius's treatise on music and Ptolemy's "Almagest." His own writings, predominantly in Italian, addressed various aspects of music theory.

In his influential treatise, "Il Desiderio," Bottrigari explored musical practices in contemporary Ferrara. He categorized musical instruments based on their tunings and advocated for a balanced approach to ensemble playing.

In "Il Patricio," Bottrigari clarified Aristoxenus's musical theories through dialogues. "Mascara" provided valuable insights into the history and practices of Italian theater. "Trimerone," an extensive work, presented a comprehensive overview of historical theories on musical scales and their ethical implications.

In "Il Melone," Bottrigari delved into the Greek concept of musical "meloi." He praised Nicola Vicentino and expressed his affinity for a homophonic musical style that prioritized the text's rhetoric.

Legacy and Unfinished Works

Ercole Bottrigari's legacy extends beyond his published works. He left behind a wealth of unpublished materials, including letters and treatises. His musical compositions include works for four and five voices.

Bottrigari's commitment to translating classical texts, exploring musical theory, and engaging in intellectual debates solidified his place as a significant figure in the Italian Renaissance. His contributions continue to inform our understanding of music and the arts of his time.