Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

1680

Death

:

ca. 1757

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Emanuele d'Astorga was an Italian composer of the Baroque era, born in Palermo, Sicily in 1680. He was the son of a nobleman and was educated in music from a young age. He studied under the famous composer and violinist Arcangelo Corelli in Rome, where he developed his skills as a composer and performer. In 1706, d'Astorga moved to Naples, where he became the maestro di cappella at the Royal Chapel. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer and performer, and his works were performed throughout Italy. He also became known for his vocal abilities, and he often performed as a countertenor in his own works. One of d'Astorga's most famous works is his Stabat Mater, a sacred choral work that was first performed in Naples in 1715. The piece is a setting of the Latin hymn Stabat Mater Dolorosa, which describes the sorrow of Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross. The work is known for its emotional intensity and its beautiful melodies, and it has become one of the most beloved choral works of the Baroque era. In addition to his sacred works, d'Astorga also composed a number of operas and secular vocal works. His opera La costanza non gradita al senato was first performed in Venice in 1710, and it was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The opera features a number of beautiful arias and duets, and it showcases d'Astorga's skill as a composer of vocal music. D'Astorga's music is characterized by its emotional intensity and its beautiful melodies. He was known for his ability to write music that was both technically complex and emotionally powerful, and his works continue to be performed and admired today. Despite his success as a composer, d'Astorga's life was not without its difficulties. He suffered from poor health throughout his life, and he was often in financial difficulties. He also had a difficult relationship with his wife, who was known for her temper and her jealousy. D'Astorga died in 1757 in Madrid, where he had moved in his later years. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music that continues to be admired and performed today. His works are a testament to the power of music to move and inspire, and they continue to be an important part of the classical music canon.

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