A Fraught Fanfare
Acoustic Enemies in Ducal Siena
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 19219846 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Heather Smith (0000-0002-0089-7407, corresponding author), Heather M Smith (0000-0003-4134-7652, University of Toronto, corresponding author), Heather N Smith (0009-0002-8127-7126, University of Toronto) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 337-365 |
| Publication date | 2026-05-20 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Sixteenth Century Journal (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0361-0160 • E-ISSN: 2326-0726 |
| Publisher | University of Chicago Press (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1086/740508 |
| OpenAlex | W7161783481 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 16 |
This study explores the sonic dimensions of Cosimo I de’Medici’s triumphal entry into Siena on 28 October 1560. Tracing the histories of three prominent sounds in the procession, this analysis parses how these sounds interacted with one another, as well as with visual elements and urban space in the 1560 procession. This article posits that these sounds communicated a sonic language of political dominance which effectively co-opted Sienese civic identity by propagating political messaging across visual and aural mediums. Scholars have yet to systematically examine how the Medici used sound in politically charged ceremonial contexts. Additionally, Medici festival studies have tended to focus on events in Florence, rather than in other ducal territories. This article thus contributes to understanding how the Medici used sonic and visual political messaging in less explored ceremonial contexts at an early stage of territorial expansion
Politics · Diverse Musicological Studies · History of Emotions Research · Musicology and Musical Analysis
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |