The life and works of Francesco Colombini (Massa, 13 February 1588 - 4 August 1671) may be viewed in the context of the interest in music and the arts cultivated by the prince Carlo Cybo Malaspina (1581-1662), ruler of the state of Massa Carrara from 1623. Documentation gleaned from various sources reveals the precise designs of the prince, who had been raised in Ferrara in the refined and educated environment of courtly life. His intention was to foster lavish festivities for secular occasions as well as liturgical celebrations, and in this last circumstance Francesco Colombini was certainly a protagonist as a salaried musician at the church of San Pietro, the principal sacred institution of the city of Massa.