Lodovico Monte was an Italian music editor and player of the Baroque guitar born in Bologna some time in the early 17th century.[1]
He has two known publications. The first was published in Rome and Macerata in 1637 and was co-edited with Pietro Millioni.[1] Its original title was Vero e facil modo d’imparare a sonare et accordare da se medesimo la chitarra spagnuola. The book was a tutor as well as a songbook, containing a description of rasgueado (Battute) technique and accompaniment for a number of 17th century dances in alfabeto notation: ciaccona, passacaglia, gagliarda, and romanesca.[2] Many of the harmonies Monte and Millioni notated were relatively dissonant for their time.[3] It was reprinted frequently until its last run in 1737, suggesting the continued popularity of 5-course guitar.[4]
The second publication, Vago fior di virtù, dove si contiene il vero modo per sonare la chitarriglia spagnuola, was published in Venice, Italy by music printer Angelo Salvadori.[5] Perhaps meant as an affordable basic tutor, the short 16-page book provides tuning instructions for the 5-course baroque guitar, an explanation of the alfabeto system of chord notation, and strummed accompaniments to songs and dances.[1]
A complete index of the first publication, including a list of pieces included in the work, was done by Gary Boye, a music librarian at Appalachian State University.[6]