During his early years Caccini studied the lute, the viol and the harp in Rome whilst acquiring the reputation as a singer. Luck struck Caccini when his unmatchable talent was recognized by Francesco de Medici of the powerful Medici family. Francesco was so impressed with the young Caccini's talent he took him to Florence for further study. By 1579, Caccini was singing at the Medici court. He was a tenor and was able to accompany himself on the viol or archlute; he sang at various entertainments, including weddings and affairs of state and took part in the intermedi of the time. The intermedi was the extravagant dramatic, musical and visual spectables which is now considered the ancestor of Opera.
Additionally, Caccini was one of the many who became greatly influenced by the introduction of the Renaissance; the revival of classical ideas and the exploration of the new. He took part in the movement of humanists, writers, musicians and scholars of the ancient world who formed the Florentine Camerata, a group of people dedicated to recovering the glory of ancient Greek dramatic music. With Caccini's diverse musical abilities he added to the mix of intellects and talents while being a major asset to the group with the Medici's on his side. Through the mix of diverse talents within the Florentine Camerata the group was able to develop the concept of monody - an emotionally affective solo vocal line, accompanied by relatively simple chordal harmony on one or more instruments. The introduction of monody was a revolutionary departure from the polyphonic practice of the late Renaissance thus indicating the transition period between the late Renaissance and early Baroque.
Giulio Caccini's Character:
Giulio Caccini was often less than honourable. He was a astute man, determined to get what he wanted. He was frequently motivated by jealousy and envy, not only in his professional life but also in his advancement in favour with the Medici. On one occasion he informed the Grand Duke Francesco de Medici of the illict affair between Pietro de Medici's wife Eleonora and Bernadino Antinori. Furthermore, his rivalry with both Emilio de' Cavalieri and Jacopo Peri seems to have been intense. Using his influential status with the Medici's Caccini may have been the one who arranged for Cavalier to be removed as the director for the wedding between Henry IV of France and Maria de Medici in 1600. He also seems to have rushed his own opera "Euridice" into print before Perio's opera on the same subject could be published.
Despite Caccini's ambitions that often got in the way of his social skills, he was an astute and brilliant man partly responsible for the transition from the Renaissance period to the Baroque. His diverse musical abilities, role in the Florentine Camerata and introduction of the concept of Monody made him a key figure in Renaissance music.
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