Girolamo Cavazzoni

Girolamo Cavazzoni was an Italian organist and composer of the Renaissance period, active in the mid-16th century. He was born into a family of musicians; his father, Marco Antonio Cavazzoni, was also a well-known organist and composer. Girolamo's work is significant in the development of keyboard music, particularly for the organ. He is known for his ricercars and hymns, which are among the earliest examples of these forms in keyboard music. His compositions were published in two collections: "Intavolatura cioè recercari, canzoni, himni, magnificat" (1543) and "Intabolatura d'organo di recercari" (1549). These works exhibit a mastery of counterpoint and a clear understanding of the capabilities of the organ. While Cavazzoni did not have a vast number of compositions, his influence was felt through his innovative approach to organ music and his role as a teacher to other prominent musicians of the time.