Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

February 13, 1713 in Barcelona, Spain

Death

:

May 20, 1751 in Rome, Italy

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Domingo Miguel Bernabe Terradellas was a Spanish composer of the Baroque era, born on June 6, 1713, in the city of La Seu d'Urgell, Catalonia. He was the son of a musician, and his father was his first teacher. Terradellas showed an early aptitude for music, and by the age of 12, he was already composing his own works. In 1732, Terradellas moved to Madrid to study music at the Royal Chapel. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer and performer, and in 1736, he was appointed as the chapel's assistant director. During his time at the Royal Chapel, Terradellas composed a number of works, including operas, oratorios, and sacred music. One of Terradellas' most famous works is his opera "Artaserse," which premiered in Madrid in 1739. The opera was a huge success, and it was performed throughout Europe. "Artaserse" is a story of love, betrayal, and political intrigue set in ancient Persia. The opera features a number of beautiful arias and duets, and it showcases Terradellas' skill as a composer. In 1745, Terradellas left Madrid and moved to Naples, where he worked as a composer and conductor. While in Naples, he composed a number of operas, including "Alessandro nell'Indie" and "Achille in Sciro." These operas were well-received, and they helped to establish Terradellas as a major figure in the Italian opera scene. In 1751, Terradellas returned to Spain and was appointed as the director of the Royal Chapel. He held this position until his death in 1756. During his time as director, Terradellas composed a number of sacred works, including masses, motets, and hymns. He also continued to compose operas, including "La Merope" and "La Partenope." Terradellas' music is characterized by its beautiful melodies, rich harmonies, and dramatic flair. His operas are particularly notable for their use of recitative and aria, which became a standard form for Italian opera in the 18th century. Terradellas' music was highly influential, and it helped to shape the development of opera and sacred music in Spain and Italy. In addition to his work as a composer, Terradellas was also a skilled conductor and performer. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians, and he was highly respected by his colleagues and contemporaries. Today, Terradellas is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Baroque era. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and it remains a testament to his skill and creativity as a composer.

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