Paolo Lorenzani (1640-1713): Sacred Vocal Music

Paolo Lorenzani was born in Rome and as a boy was a chorister in the Cappella Giulia. He began his professional career by composing four oratorios for the Arciconfraternitą del Santissimo Crocefisso di S Marcello and was later appointed maestro di coppella at the famous Chiesa del Gesu and the Collegio Romano. In 1678 he left Rome to take up a similar position at the cathedral in Messina, where he attracted the attention of the Duc de Vivonne, marshal of France, who was there to support the Sicilians in their struggle against Spanish domination. Failing in his task, Vivonne withdrew his troops and returned to France, taking the musician with him. Lorenzani was presented to Louis XIV and very quickly won the favour of the King, who helped him to the position surintendant of the Queen's Music to Queen Marie-Therese. Here he was among the greatest musicians of the time: Boesset, whom he replaced, wit