Among some antique manuscripts kept in the libraries of Krakow churches we can find a few copies of the pieces of Pietro Paolo Bencini. The works of this almost forgotten composer have been preserved in the archives of the Wawel Royal Cathedral and in the Cistercian Abbey in Mogila. Bencini lived in Rome in the first half of the 18th century and he gained great honours as a member of the papal maestri di capella élite.
The music life of la Città Eterna dazzled with its splendour and diversity in the late baroque period. Then, the level of the music culture of Rome was the highest compared to all the other European capitals. It was generated by the political ambitions and activity of some great Roman patrons of the arts. Both cleric and lay Roman noblemen supported artists, writers and musicians. They organized very pompous concerts, performances and festivals, engaging the most famous artists, which resulted in spreading the influence of Italian culture all over the continent.
The Krakow copies of Bencini’s works, dating from the second half of the 18th century, show that Italian music was popular and fashionable in Krakow at that time.
The author of the essay, presenting Bencini’s significance, depicts Roman music culture which inspired Polish music centres in the 18th century.