Assandra, Caterina (fl. 1580–1609)
Assandra, Caterina (fl. 1580–1609)
Italian composer. Name variations: Catterina Alessandra. Born in Pavia between 1580 and 1609; sometimes confused with another composer of this name who appeared in 1772; studied with Benedetto Re.
Although Caterina Assandra's reputation spread beyond the borders of Italy as a composer, she is sometimes confused with another 18th-century composer of the same name. To compound the matter, the date of her birth is approximate, the date of her death unknown. We know, however, that she became a nun in the cloister of Sant' Agata in Lomello near Pavia. During the first half of the 17th century, she composed many works, including Siren colestis and Promptuarium musicum. Like a number of Northern Italian composers of the period, she published motets for a few voices and organ continuo in the new concertato style.
John Haag , Athens, Georgia