In Rubens' time, composers such as Michael Praetorius, Jacopo Peri, Biagio Marini and Giacomo Gastoldi flourished. Praetorius, a German composer, is known for his compendium "Syntagma Musicum" which is an important source for the knowledge of music of the time. Jacopo Peri, an Italian composer, is often considered a pioneer of opera and played a role in the development of monody, a musical style that puts the text in the foreground.
Biagio Marini was an Italian violinist and composer known for his virtuosity and innovative techniques in violin music. Giacomo Gastoldi, also an Italian composer, was known for his light, lyrical madrigals and dance music.
The works of these composers and the art of Rubens were representative of the artistic flowering during the Counter Reformation, in which both visual art and music played an important role in promoting Catholic doctrine and the expression of spiritual emotion. Together, they formed a vibrant cultural scene that reflected the spirit of the times.
