The Bassanos: Venetian Musicians and Instrument Makers in England, 1531-1665

by Roger Prior

In the 1530s, five Bassano brothers, who were outstanding wind players and instrument makers, emigrated from Venice to England. Dr Lasocki’s authoritative new book, the first to be devoted to the family, is a minutely researched account of these brothers, their sons (and a daughter) and their grandsons. The first half of the book discusses the everyday affairs of the family - their relationships, religion, property, law suits, finances, and standing in society. Two chapters, one written by Roger Prior, are devoted to Emilia Bassano, whose identification as the ’dark lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets is supported by a wealth of evidence. The second half of the book discusses the family’s musical activities. At the English Court the Bassanos made up a recorder consort that lasted 90 years; they also played in the flute/cornett and shawm/sackbutt consorts. As instrument makers their fame was spread throughout Europe. The book’s appendixes present information on the Venetian branch of the family and the musical activities of the English branch since 1665.

328 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1995

Reviews

[Lionel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A biography of the musical members of the Bassano family. Presumably aimed at musical historians, though my interest was genealogical--I am related through my mother's side. Fascinating historical portrait, relying almost entirely on skimpy primary sources like baptismal, marriage, and burial records, censuses, pay records, and other court documents. The Bassanos were apparently well known collectively as court musicians, but scholars for many years had difficulty distinguishing between the individuals and their familial relations. Lasocki does a good job here of drawing that detail out. There is also a fair amount of speculation here, but it's clearly identified as such, and sources for facts are clearly identified as well. The two major bits of speculation have to do with the Bassanos origins (later research has cast severe doubts upon the supposition that they were persecuted Jews), and the chapter on Aemelia Lanier (aka Lanyer) includes a number of suppositions (again, clearly identified as such). Wikipedia suggests that a number of Lanier scholars have doubts about the suppositions here, but it is unclear if any of the competing theories surrounding her are widely accepted by anyone.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the book fascinating, primarily because it is about my ancestors. But it is also recommended to anyone having one of these specialized interests: history of music and the manufacture of musical instruments (especially woodwinds); court music in Venice or England in the 16th/17th century; Jews or Jewish converts to Christianity in the 16th-17th centuries. The book lists for well over $100 so better luck requesting it through an inter-library loan.