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Ariana Seidman
Dr. Caracciolo
Private Voice Lessons
14 February 2014
Amarilli, Mia Bella Composer Biography
Giulio Caccini was born in Rome on October 8, 1551. His father, Michelangelo,
was a carpenter, his older brother Orazio was a musician, and his younger brother
Giovanni was a sculptor. Giulio began his musical studies at a young age, by singing in
prestige choirs. When he was fourteen, Giulio was invited to perform in Florence at the
wedding of Prince Francesco de Medici.
Giulio stayed in Florence for the majority of his adult life. He worked in the royal
court performing and composing for the Medici family. During his time in there he met
his first wife, Lucia di Filippo Gagnolanti, another singer. The couple had two daughters,
Francesca and Settimia, who also became composers and singers.
Giulio continued to be employed by Ferdinando Medici, who came into power in
1587 after his brother passed. However, in 1592 he traveled with a noble Florentine to
Rome. Upon his return to Florence in 1593, he was dismissed from his position in the
court due to an argument with one of his students. His wife Lucia died that year as well.
Giulio was rehired in the Medici court to supply music for another wedding in
1600. In 1602, Giulio published one of his most important works Le Nuove Musiche, a
large collection of vocal pieces.
Towards the end of his life Giulio composed another collection of solo works
called Nuove musiche de nuova maniera di scriverle. In 1615, Giulio got into a fight with

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Ottavio Archilei and was placed under house arrest. In 1617, Giulio became very sick
and passed away in the beginning of 1618.