Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Spain

Birth

:

May 2, 1754 in Valencia, Spain

Death

:

February 11, 1806 in St. Petersburg, Russia

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Vicente Martin y Soler was a Spanish composer who lived from 1754 to 1806. He was born in Valencia, Spain, and showed an early aptitude for music. His father, Antonio Martin, was a musician and composer, and he began teaching Vicente at a young age. Vicente's talent was quickly recognized, and he was sent to study at the Conservatorio di Santa Maria di Loreto in Naples, Italy, where he studied under the famous composer Francesco Durante. After completing his studies, Martin y Soler began composing operas, which were performed in Naples and other Italian cities. In 1775, he was invited to Vienna by the Emperor Joseph II, who was a great patron of the arts. Martin y Soler quickly became a favorite of the Viennese court, and he composed several operas for the court theater. One of Martin y Soler's most famous works is the opera "Una cosa rara," which was first performed in Vienna in 1786. The opera was a huge success, and it was performed throughout Europe. The libretto was written by Lorenzo Da Ponte, who also wrote the libretto for Mozart's "Don Giovanni" and "The Marriage of Figaro." "Una cosa rara" is a comic opera that tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a woman who is disguised as a man. The opera is known for its beautiful arias and duets, and it is still performed today. Another of Martin y Soler's famous works is the opera "L'arbore di Diana," which was first performed in Vienna in 1787. The opera is a comedy that tells the story of a group of women who are trying to find the perfect husband. The opera is known for its beautiful music and witty libretto. Martin y Soler also composed several ballets, including "Les Amours de Mars et de Venus," which was first performed in Vienna in 1785. The ballet tells the story of the love affair between the gods Mars and Venus, and it is known for its beautiful music and choreography. In addition to his work as a composer, Martin y Soler was also a conductor and a music teacher. He taught several students, including the composer Antonio Salieri, who later became a famous composer in his own right. Martin y Soler died in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1806. He is remembered as one of the great composers of the classical period, and his music continues to be performed and enjoyed today.

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