Summer has already begun, and it’s time to give a brief update on what’s happening with Historical Ornamentation Sources.
Since its launch, more than 5,200 unique visitors from all over the world have accessed the website, and it has garnered nearly 11,600 visits!
I would especially like to thank those who have contributed to the catalog with new information—thank you, Beniamino Paganini.
Many thanks to those who, through their donations, help keep this site running and growing: Jeffrey Grossman, Flóra Fábri, Inês d’Avena, Antonio Bertali and one anonymous donor. Thank you!!!!
NEWS
This year, I began exploring the archives of La Pietà, and what I discovered surpassed all my expectations: over 400 manuscripts filled with cadenzas, ornamented passages, and performance annotations. Cataloging this material is a monumental task — but one I believe is of vital importance.
To complete this work and make this invaluable heritage accessible through the Historical Ornamentation Sources Catalog, I need your support.
The Voice of the Invisibles: Ornamentation and Improvisation in the Venetian Ospedali is a research initiative dedicated to uncovering and preserving the legacy of the extraordinary musicians of Venice’s ospedali. Behind the iron grilles of these institutions, gifted women developed a rich and unique musical tradition—one that reflects their creativity, virtuosity, and interpretive freedom.
This is where your help becomes essential. I’ve launched a crowdfunding campaign to make this research possible and ensure that these forgotten voices are finally heard. With your support, we can catalog, study, and share these remarkable manuscripts with musicians and scholars around the world.
NEW UPDATES
Since the last update, 43 new sources have been added.
I have gathered all these new sources on this page.
In my passion for Tartini, a large number of concertos that include capriccios have been added to the catalog.
Especially fascinating are these Arpeggios for anyone aiming to play in an improvisatory style!
I’ve already begun working on the hundreds of sources from La Pietà. For now, I’ve created a new category, which you’ll find in the left-hand column: Special Collections: “Ospedali Veneziani,” and I’ve started entering the sources. Take a look to this project here.
Remember that this project currently has no funding, and if you’d like to help it continue and thrive, you can always make a donation. Your support will go towards covering server costs, the domain, data management tools, and many other essential expenses. No matter how big or small, every contribution is greatly appreciated!
Happy ornamenting!
Javier
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