Adriano Banchieri

As an Italian composer, organist, musicographer and theorist, Banchieri served the church in membership to the Olivetan order. In his composing Adriano was a follower of the strict rules contained in the Council of Trent. Most harmonies were vertical with little or no horizontal writing. These qualities are revealed in his 12 masses. He composed a number of sacred and non-sacred works for the organ as well, and some "commedia dell'arte". As a writer about music Banchieri's works included "L'organo suonarino" which was a commentary on the new styles in performing. Theoretically...