Girolamo Frescobaldi (September 13, 1583 – March 1, 1643) was an Italian musician, one of the most important composers of keyboard music in the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. A child prodigy, Frescobaldi studied under Luzzasco Luzzaschi in Ferrara, but was influenced by a large number of composers, including Ascanio Mayone, Giovanni Maria Trabaci, and Claudio Merulo. Girolamo Frescobaldi was appointed “organist” of St. Peter's Basilica, a focal point of power for the Capella Giulia (a musical organization) from July 21, 1608 until 1628 and again from 1634 until his death. Frescobaldi's printed collections contain some of the most influential music of the 17th century. His work influenced Johann Jakob Froberger, Johann Sebastian Bach, Henry Purcell, and countless other major composers. Pieces from his celebrated collection of liturgical organ music, Fiori musicali (1635), were used as models of strict counterpoint as late as the 19th century.
Girolamo Frescobaldi was appalled by the music the Americans of Grantville enjoyed. He even considered it the work of the Devil. This was evident in his shabby treatment of the talented Marla Linder. His colleague Heinrich Schütz was very disappointed with Frescobaldi's antipathy towards the Grantvillers, and sent Frescobaldi a letter asking him to reconsider his opinion. However, Frescobaldi remained unmoved. He left Grantville and resumed his post as organist at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
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