Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

April 5, 1727 in Taggia

Death

:

February, 1797 in Rome, Italy

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Pasquale Anfossi was an Italian composer of the Classical era, born on April 5, 1727, in Taggia, a small town in the Liguria region of Italy. He was the son of a musician, and his father, Francesco Anfossi, was a violinist and composer. Pasquale Anfossi showed an early interest in music and began his musical education under his father's guidance. Anfossi's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a skilled violinist and composer. He studied music in Naples, where he was exposed to the works of the great Italian composers of the time, including Giovanni Battista Pergolesi and Niccolò Jommelli. Anfossi's early compositions were influenced by the Neapolitan school of music, which was known for its melodic and expressive style. In 1754, Anfossi moved to Rome, where he worked as a composer and conductor. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer, and his works were performed in some of the most prestigious venues in Rome. Anfossi's music was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and he soon became one of the most sought-after composers in Italy. Anfossi's most significant works were his operas, which were popular throughout Europe during the late 18th century. His first opera, "La Serva Spiritosa," was premiered in Rome in 1760 and was an immediate success. The opera was performed in several Italian cities and was eventually staged in Vienna, where it was well-received by audiences. Anfossi's operas were known for their melodic and expressive style, and they often featured memorable arias and duets. His most famous opera, "L'Incoronazione di Dario," was premiered in Venice in 1768 and was a huge success. The opera was performed throughout Europe and was praised for its beautiful music and dramatic storyline. In addition to his operas, Anfossi also composed instrumental music, including symphonies, chamber music, and keyboard works. His instrumental music was less well-known than his operas but was still highly regarded by his contemporaries. Anfossi's career was not without its challenges. In 1777, he was accused of plagiarism by the composer Christoph Willibald Gluck, who claimed that Anfossi had copied one of his works. Anfossi denied the accusation, but the controversy damaged his reputation and led to a decline in his popularity. Despite this setback, Anfossi continued to compose music throughout his life. He died on February 5, 1797, in Rome, at the age of 69. His legacy as a composer of beautiful and expressive music lives on, and his works continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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