From the mid sixteenth century onwards, Italy saw the establishment of many Academies. These were not formal teaching institutions but groups of musicians, poets, artists and thinkers who met to experience and discuss the newest ideas in philosophy and the arts. Music (especially when combined with words) was an important part of these gatherings, which often had exotic names such as L'Accademia della Morte (The Academy of Death!) or L'Accademia degli Intrepidi, from which we take our name.