Sciana
Girolamo Melcarne, also known as Girolamo Montesardo, was born around 1580 in Alessano, in Terra d’Otranto. His musical training is not documented, but he began his career as an organist in Rome in 1603. After brief assignments in Bologna and Fano, Melcarne settled in Florence, where he published important musical works, including “Nuova inventione d’intavolatura” in 1606, which represents a significant step forward in instrumental music, introducing alphabetic tablature for the guitar for the first time.
In 1608, Melcarne published “L’allegre notti di Fiorenza”, a work that reflects the lively musical life of Florence and the new monodic tendencies. In 1611 he moved to Naples, where he published “I lieti giorni di Napoli”, trying to spread the new musical style he learned in Florence.
After a series of successes, Melcarne probably returned to Puglia and continued to compose sacred and secular music. His work had a significant impact on the development of Italian instrumental music of the seventeenth century and influenced the musical tradition in the European context.
His legacy is also witnessed by contemporaries such as Girolamo Cicala, who remembered him in his writings. His works also include collections of motets and madrigals, some of which have been lost.
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