Francesca Caccini (1587-1640) came from a very important musical family, studying music with her father alongside her brother and sister. A noted singer and voice teacher as well, Francesca spent much of her musical career working in the Medici court. She composed the first extant opera by a woman and the first Italian opera that was performed outside of Italy.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Primo libro delle musiche a una e due voci

• Ecco ch'io verso il sangue
• Regina coeli
• Fresche aurette (duet)
• Non so se quel sorriso (also found in 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers)

You can also find music by Francesca's sister Settimia in the 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers.

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" Counter--Ellen 2, Toni 1

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So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

Coming up on September 6, it's CSI's Season 10 Mainstage opening concert, Grown from a Miracle. Join as a live studio audience member in Cincinnati, or stream, 7:00-8:15pm Eastern Time, from anywhere on 90.9 WGUC.