Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

March 31, 1684 in Frattamaggiore

Death

:

September 30, 1755 in Naples, Italy

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Francesco Durante was a prominent Italian composer of the Baroque era, born on March 31, 1684, in Frattamaggiore, near Naples. He was the son of Gaetano Durante, a musician and composer, and was raised in a family of musicians. Durante's father recognized his son's musical talent at an early age and provided him with a solid musical education. Durante began his musical studies at the Conservatorio di Santa Maria di Loreto in Naples, where he studied under the tutelage of Gaetano Greco, Francesco Provenzale, and Alessandro Scarlatti. He quickly became known for his exceptional musical abilities and was appointed as the maestro di cappella at the Conservatorio di Sant'Onofrio a Porta Capuana in Naples at the age of 22. Durante's early compositions were primarily vocal works, including sacred music, operas, and oratorios. His first opera, "La Festa d'Imeneo," was performed in Naples in 1706 and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Durante's reputation as a composer continued to grow, and he was soon appointed as the maestro di cappella at the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo in Naples. During his time at the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo, Durante composed some of his most famous works, including his "Magnificat" and "Stabat Mater." These works showcased Durante's exceptional talent for vocal composition and his ability to create complex and intricate harmonies. In addition to his vocal works, Durante also composed instrumental music, including sonatas and concertos. His instrumental works were highly regarded for their technical complexity and virtuosity, and they were often performed by some of the most talented musicians of the time. Durante's reputation as a composer continued to grow, and he was soon appointed as the maestro di cappella at the Royal Chapel in Naples. During his time at the Royal Chapel, Durante composed some of his most famous works, including his "Concerto per Quartetto No. 8 in A Major" and his "Concerto per Quartetto No. 9 in D Minor." Durante's music was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including Johann Sebastian Bach, who was known to have studied Durante's works and incorporated some of his musical ideas into his own compositions. Durante's influence on the development of Baroque music cannot be overstated, and his works continue to be performed and studied by musicians and scholars around the world. Francesco Durante died on September 30, 1755, in Naples, at the age of 71. His legacy as a composer and musician continues to live on through his works, which remain an important part of the classical music canon.

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