Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Antonio Squarcialupi
Antonio Squarcialupi (March 27, 1416July 6, 1480) was an Italian organist and composer. He was the most famous organist in Italy in the mid-15th century.

Antonio Squarcialupi Life
He was born in Florence to a butcher with the family name of Giovanni; however he took the name of Squarcialupi, a well-known family from Tuscany, by mid-century, possibly to disguise his less than aristocratic origins. Most of his early life must have been spent in Florence, and he likely studied with both organist Giovanni Mazzuoli (also called Jovannes de Florentia, who was a pupil of Francesco Landini), as well as Matteo di Pagolo da Prato.
He acquired the post of organist at the Orsanmichele in Florence in 1431, but only remained there for two years, moving instead to the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, at which post he remained for the rest of his life. He has been honored with a bust in this church.

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