The arts flourished everywhere in Italy during the 17th century as painting, sculpture, architecture and music left their mark on cities and defined the Italian peninsula.

Cloistered nuns, whose life was devoted to serving God, used their skills and talents in many ways. This included composing the devotional music needed to complete the sumptuous experience of attending a 17th century Catholic mass. The result was some of the most remarkable music of the period. The nuns labored out of their love and duty to the church even though the idea of women composers was not completely accepted. In “Ecstasy and Devotion” The Early Interval brings to life the music of these exceptional women.