Claudia Sessa
b. fl. 1613
Sessa, a Milanese nun at the convent of S. Maria Annunciata, was avidly praised by Gerolamo Borsieri both for her musical talents, and for her modest nature; however, only two of her works (songs for solo voice) are extant today. Though it displays some technical weaknesses, Sessa's work over the duration of her short lifetime has been described as sufficiently original and ambitious to place her on the roster of notable composers of her time. For further information, see "Women Composers: Music Through the Ages," volume I. HPC #09858a + b.