A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Foggia, Francesco

by Franz Gehring

FOGGIA, Francesco, the last Italian church composer who remained faithful to the traditions of Palestrina; born in Rome 1604, studied under Cifra, Nanini, and Agostini. He then entered the service of the Elector of Cologne, the Elector of Bavaria, and the Archduke Leopold of Austria in turn. After his return to Italy he was appointed maestro di capella successively at Narni, Montefiascone, and the following churches in Rome,—Santa Maria in Aquiro, Santa Maria in Trastevere, St. John Lateran (1636–61), San Lorenzo in Damaso, and Santa Maria Maggiore (1677), which last post he retained till his death, Jan. 8, 1688, when he was succeeded by his son Antonio. He is buried in the church of S. Praxede. He published much church music for from 2 to 9 voices (see the list in Fétis), and most of the churches in Rome possess some works by him in MS. Martini has analysed some of his motets in the 'Saggio di contrappunto.' Liberati calls him 'il sostegno e il padre della musica e della vera armonica ecclesiastica.' He was one of the first musicians to write tonal fugues, while he was the last Italian capable of composing genuine church music in the polyphonic style. Mr. Hullah has printed a fine motet by him in his 'Vocal Scores.'

[ F. G. ]