Barbieri-musicisti nell'Italia del Quattro e Cinquecento

This article presents the results of a preliminary study on barber-musicians in early-modern Italy, and aims to shed new light on barbers’ musical skills. Specifically, the research focuses on the barber job, his musical activities, and his role in society. Barbers were semi-professional lutenists, harpists, trombonists and piffero players. They were lauda singers, poets, composers, cantastorie, printers of music and instrument makers. They were wholly integrated into society, and involved in musical activities in a variety of contexts. Their shops were places where citizens would meet, talk, sing and play music.