Angelo Michele Bartolotti (active c. 1640 – died before 1682) was a premier Italian virtuoso of the Baroque era. He was a master of the “mixed style” (stile misto) of guitar playing, which elegantly combined the rhythmic strumming of the Italian tradition with the sophisticated polyphonic plucking of the French school.
🇮🇹 Origins and Early Career
While his exact birth date is unknown, Bartolotti’s roots are clearly defined by his own publications.
- The “Bolognese” Identity: On the title pages of his two major guitar books, he identifies himself as “Bolognese” and “di Bologna,” confirming his origins in the musical powerhouse of Bologna.
- The Florentine Connection: He likely spent his formative professional years in Florence. Evidence suggests he served in the prestigious household of Jacopo Salviati, Duke of Giuliano, a known patron of the arts.
👑 The Court of Queen Christina of Sweden
Bartolotti was part of an elite circle of Italian musicians who gained international fame under royal patronage.
- Stockholm (1652–1654): He was recruited by the intellectually ambitious Queen Christina of Sweden. Records from 1652 and 1654 confirm his employment at her court, where Italian music was highly fashionable.
- Travels in Exile: Following Christina’s abdication and her conversion to Catholicism, Bartolotti likely followed her to Rome.
- Parisian Settlement: In 1658, Christina traveled to Paris. It is widely believed that Bartolotti accompanied her, eventually choosing to settle in the French capital. He remained a prominent figure in the Parisian music scene until his death, which occurred sometime before 1682.
🎼 Major Publications and Musical Style
Bartolotti published two of the most important books in the history of the five-course Baroque guitar.
- Libro primo di chitarra spagnola (Florence, 1640): This early work displays his mastery of the battuto (strummed) style but already hints at the complex structures to come.
- Secondo libro di chitarra (Paris, c. 1655): Considered one of the pinnacles of Baroque guitar literature, this book shows a strong French influence. It contains suites of dances (Allemandes, Courantes, Sarabandes) that are noted for their harmonic richness and technical difficulty.
- The Theorbo Master: In addition to the guitar, Bartolotti was a highly respected theorbo player. He published a significant treatise on basso continuo for the theorbo (Table pour apprendre facilement à toucher le théorbe…, Paris, 1669), which remains a vital primary source for modern performers.
🎸 Historical Significance
Bartolotti’s music is distinguished by its extreme refinement. Unlike many of his contemporaries who wrote simpler music for amateurs, Bartolotti’s compositions were intended for professionals. His work bridged the gap between the exuberant Italian style and the more reserved, delicate French style brisé.