Seth J. Coluzzi, Ph.D. 2006

Advisor: Tim Carter

Dissertation Title: Structure and Interpretation in Luca Marenzio’s Settings of Il Pastor Fido

Find it in the library here.

Dissertation Abstract:

Using Luca Marenzio’s Seventh Book of five-voice madrigals of 1595 as a test case, my dissertation focuses upon the question: how might a book of madrigals have been read in the sixteenth century? To answer this question, several fundamental theories of readership and their applicability to music prints are considered and called into question, while analyses of the music, text, and printed documents suggest how the structure of the book and the information contained therein support certain types of readings. This study will ultimately open a new perspective on issues of readership within the field of research surrounding the history of the book. 

Recipient of the Glen Haydon Dissertation Award

Dr. Coluzzi is currently Assistant Professor of music at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. He has continued to develop the focus on late-Renaissance Italy explored in his dissertation, including in the forthcoming book Il pastor fido and the Rise of Modern Music and Drama. He also works as a singer-songwriter and ballet performer.