GRACEFUL PERFORMANCES: THE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL CONTEXT OF MUSIC AND DANCE IN THE CORTEGIANO
AbstractMusic and dancing are critical components of the Italian Renaissance court's political and social structures. Indeed, Castiglione's Libro del Cortegiano emphasizes this aspect of the function of music in court society. Music and dance epitomize the role of the courtier; they are not merely ornamental or additional to more important qualities, but are considered crucial to his social and political existence: ‘anzi estimo per le ragioni che voi dite e per molte altre esser la musica non solamente ornamento, ma necessaria al cortegiano’.