Role

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Composer

Period

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Baroque

Genre

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Vocal

 

Antonio Cifra was a prominent Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his sacred vocal music. He was born in Rome in 1584, and little is known about his early life and musical training. However, it is believed that he received his education at the Roman Seminary, where he may have studied under Giovanni Bernardino Nanino. Cifra began his career as a singer and composer at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where he served as a choirboy and later as a tenor. He also held positions at several other churches in Rome, including the Chiesa Nuova and the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. Cifra's music was highly regarded during his lifetime, and he was considered one of the leading composers of his time. His works were performed in many of the major churches and cathedrals throughout Italy, and he was often commissioned to write music for special occasions and events. One of Cifra's most famous works is his Missa pro defunctis, a requiem mass that was composed in memory of Pope Urban VIII. The mass is known for its intricate polyphony and expressive harmonies, and it remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire today. Cifra also composed a number of motets and madrigals, which were often performed at private concerts and gatherings. His motet "O sacrum convivium" is particularly notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which were unusual for the time. In addition to his sacred music, Cifra also wrote several secular works, including a collection of canzonettas and a set of instrumental sonatas. These pieces showcase his skill as a composer and his ability to write in a variety of styles and genres. Despite his success as a composer, Cifra's life was not without its challenges. He suffered from poor health throughout his life, and he was often in financial difficulties. He also faced criticism from some of his contemporaries, who accused him of being too experimental in his music. Despite these challenges, Cifra continued to compose music until his death in 1629. His legacy as a composer has endured, and his works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

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