One of the most prolific female composers of the 17th century, Isabella Leonarda, was also a high-ranking nun in an Ursuline convent, fulfilling all of her duties as a nun before composing on her own time - which we assume means she never slept! Her motets would be an excellent way to begin a recital.

While several of her works are available for purchase, the motets we discuss on this episode are on IMSLP - make sure to click on the "collections" tab to find several of her motets.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

• No. 6 O flammae
• No 11 Salve regina (2 sections)
• No 20 Purpurei flores, recitative, and Sinfonia

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

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So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about  their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/