A Monteverdi Vespers in 1611

IN a letter dated 14 May 1611, one Lorenzo Campagna, a servant of Mantua's Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga, wrote to the Marchese Fabio Gonzaga regarding a Vespers service with music newly composed by Claudio Monteverdi: Lorenzo Campagna to the Marchese Fabio Gonzaga My most Illustrious Lord and most revered Patron Tomorrow the [Feast of the] Sensa ends, and its vigil, when His Serene Highness went to Sant'Andrea, with all the Cavaliers of the Order, in a gorgeous cavalcade, where, as usual, solemn Vespers were sung with most beautiful music, newly composed by Signor Claudio Monteverdi. Present were the most serene infante and Monsignor, the most illustrious Cardinal, and Signor Don Cesare, Prince of Guastalla, in an enclosure [ghabinetto] made especially for him in order not to require any formality. Near it was another larger one with some 50 Jesuit fathers, who were here for a meeting of the Chapter. His Highness wanted them to see the ceremony.¹ In addition, he himself had shown them his treasures with his own hands.² Then came the Signor Prince of Bozzolo, who did not come to Sant'Andrea the day of the Sensa, but yesterday kissed the hand of His Highness, and His Highness showed him his jewels and the treasures he possesses [which] he usually displays to princes. Before the Mass the day of the Sensa, Signor Marchese Gian Thomaso Canossa was made a Cavalier of the Order of the Redeemer, in place of the Marchese his brother; and His Most Serene Highness promised in the coming year to make Signor Conte Rivara [a member of the Order]. And yesterday morning the Office was celebrated for the soul of the aforesaid Marchese, with the greatest solemnity. This is all that has newly occurred, but in order not to annoy you further, I recommend myself to the good graces of Your Illustrious Lord, and pray God our Lord all the greatest prosperity for you.³