Early life and childhood Barbara Strozzi (at birth, Barbara Valle) was born in Venice in 1619 to a woman known as "La Greghetta" (in other sources she is also referred to as Isabella Griega or Isabella Garzoni). She was baptized in the
church of Santa Sofia in the
Cannaregio district of Venice. Although her birth certificate does not state her father's identity, it is assumed that her biological father was
Giulio Strozzi, a poet and
librettist, and a very influential figure in seventeenth-century Venice. He was a member of the
Accademia degli Incogniti, one of the largest and most prestigious intellectual academies in Europe and a major political and social force in the
Republic of Venice and beyond. He wrote in many literary media, for example, poetry, operas, prose, plays and lyrics for songs. Little is known about Barbara's mother, but historians suspect that Isabella was a servant of Giulio, as both Barbara and her mother lived in Giulio's household and were listed in his will. Barbara grew up in a household frequented by the greatest literary and musical minds of the age. More detailed accounts of Barbara's life concern the end of her childhood and early adolescence. Throughout her childhood, Venice had suffered
plagues that killed much of its population. Barbara and her mother survived. She reached the age of 12 by the first
Festa della Salute in 1631. By this time, she had begun to develop as a musician and to demonstrate virtuosic vocal talent. Alongside this, she developed the ability to accompany herself on the
lute or
theorbo. In her book
Sounds and Sweet Airs, historian
Anna Beer states that Strozzi's musical gifts became more evident in her early adolescence, which led Giulio to arrange lessons in composition for her with one of the leading composers,
Francesco Cavalli.
Unisoni, operating from the Strozzi household, ensured Barbara opportunities of performing as a singer, as well as semi-public performances of her own works. In 1637, at the age of 18, Barbara took her father's last name, Strozzi, keeping it until her death.
Later life, children and death Little is known of Strozzi's life during the 1640s. However, it is assumed that she was the concubine of a Venetian nobleman,
Giovanni Paolo Vidman. He was a patron of the arts and an associate of Giulio Strozzi. Although Strozzi never married him (or anyone), the relationship led to three or, possibly four children. Vidman was the father of her son Giulio, then of two daughters, Isabella in 1642 and Laura in 1644, and possibly of a further son, Massimo. Her two daughters joined a convent and one of her sons became a monk. A letter written after Strozzi's death reports she "was raped by Count Vidman, a Venetian nobleman. She had a son who also [that is, like her father] bears the name Giulio Strozzi." It has been suggested that the rape allegation may have been a story circulated to protect Strozzi's reputation, as she had children out of wedlock. However, there is evidence to suggest that she was coerced into the relationship. During this time, there were financial dealings between Strozzi and Vidman. It is believed that she gave him a loan that would have to be repaid after his death. The near 10% interest might have been a way of ensuring some support for Strozzi and her children after his death. Strozzi died in
Padua in 1677 aged 58. She is believed to have been buried at
Eremitani. She did not leave a will so, on her death, her son Giulio Pietro claimed her inheritance in full. == Professional life ==