Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) was born in Novara, and at age 16 she joined an Ursuline convent. She was a musician, and while she wrote a small number of secular instrumental compositions, the majority of her works were sacred vocal compositions. In addition to her many motets, she also composed this mass — Beautiful Music written in 1696 and performed here by the Soloists and Chorus from Schola Cantorum of the University of Arkansas, conducted by Jack Groh. You can also read more about this inspiring 17th century woman using the link below.
(52) Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704) – Messa Prima, Op.XVIII (1696) – YouTube
Isabella Leonarda – Womens Sacred Music Project