Agostino Agazzari and Music at Siena Cathedral, 1597-1641

'Reardon gives a comprehensive description of his motets and their style. Reardon should be congratulated for this volume which has really expanded our understanding of the early Baroque.' Graham Dixon, Classical Music 'Reardon presents the sources as if we were with her in the archives, and directs us to the unanswered questions ... it is good to have a first glimpse behind the facade of the City of the Virgin, overshadowed by other cities in the musical domain but clearly of enormous fascination.' Richard Langham Smith, The Musical Times, November 1994 '... it is good to have a first glimpse behind the facade of the City of the Virgin, overshadowed by other cities in the musical domain but clearly of enormous fascination.' Richard Langham Smith. The Musical Times. Nov '94 `she clears up misconceptions and for the first time presents a coherent life story, with sensible hypotheses where documented information is in short supply. She is a knowledgeable guide ... Her account, descriptive rather than analytical, is well illustrated with music examples ... a well-focused study of a major part of Agazzari's output ... carefully related to his working environment. The book is attractively produced, and Reardon writes well, making for an easy and at times fascinating read ... the book can most certainly be recommended to anyone interested in Italian music of the Seicento.' Noel O'Regan, Music & Letters `It is fascinating ground to break from several points of view. We are given a good introduction to this music by Reardon, who picks a wide selection from an extensive legacy and arouses curiosity.' Richard Langham Smith, The Musical Times, November 1994 `Abundant musical examples richly illustrate the book. Restoration Cathedral Music ... has attained the high ideal of the Oxford Studies in British Church music series as articulated by its general editor. Through his advocacy and interpretation, Spink has provided an extraordinary survey of the musical sources and the archives of the important foundations of the Restoration period.' Stephen Town, Northwest Missouri State University, Choral Journal, December 1996 `fine new book ... musicologists are fortunate to have her descriptions to rely upon' Jonathan E. Glixon, University of Kentucky, Renaissance Quarterly