Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) Italy
- andreachamizoalber
- Aug 31, 2025
- 1 min read
She didn't sing or play any instruments—rare at that time—however, that didn't detract from her fame as one of the most prolific convent composers of the Baroque, writing approximately 200 works during her lifetime.
This is Iam Diu dilecte, and as you know, the link to view the score in imslp
Leonarda's works include examples of almost every genre: motets, sacred concertos for one to four voices, psalms, responsories, magnificats, litanies, masses, and church sonatas. She also wrote music for solo and continuo, choir, and strings. Her Sonatas, Op. 16, were the first instrumental sonatas published by a woman.
Here are the 12 sonatas, with the score included in the video.
Almost all of Leonarda's works bear a double dedication: the first to the Virgin Mary and the second to a living person of high rank. In one of her dedications, Leonarda stated that she composed music not to seek fame and recognition, but so that everyone would know that she was devoted to the Virgin Mary.
Next up, Magnificat. I didn't find the score in imslp, but you can see it in the video.
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