Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

ca. 1602 in Genoa, Italy

Death

:

July 6, 1656 in Rome, Italy

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Michelangelo Rossi was an Italian composer and musician who lived during the Baroque period. He was born in Genoa in 1601, and little is known about his early life and musical training. However, it is believed that he received his education in Rome, where he became a member of the Accademia di Santa Cecilia, a prestigious musical institution. Rossi's career as a composer began in the early 1630s, when he was appointed as a musician at the court of the Duke of Mantua. During this time, he composed a number of works for the court, including operas, cantatas, and instrumental music. His music was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was considered to be one of the most talented composers of his time. One of Rossi's most famous works is his collection of keyboard pieces, Toccate e Correnti. This collection was published in 1657 and contains 20 pieces for harpsichord or organ. The pieces are characterized by their virtuosic keyboard writing and their use of chromaticism and dissonance. They are considered to be some of the most important keyboard works of the Baroque period. Another notable work by Rossi is his opera Il Palazzo Incantato, which was first performed in 1642. The opera is based on the story of Orpheus and Eurydice and features a number of innovative musical techniques, including the use of recitative and aria. The opera was well-received by audiences and helped to establish Rossi's reputation as a composer. In addition to his work as a composer, Rossi was also a skilled performer. He was known for his virtuosic keyboard playing and was often called upon to perform at court and in public concerts. He was also a respected teacher and taught a number of students, including the composer Bernardo Pasquini. Despite his success as a composer and performer, Rossi's life was not without its difficulties. He suffered from mental illness and was known to have violent outbursts. In 1657, he was dismissed from his position at the court of the Duke of Mantua due to his erratic behavior. He returned to Rome, where he continued to compose and perform, but his mental health continued to deteriorate. He died in Rome in 1656 at the age of 55. Today, Michelangelo Rossi is remembered as one of the most important composers of the Baroque period. His innovative use of chromaticism and dissonance in his keyboard music was highly influential and helped to pave the way for the development of the Baroque style. His operas and other vocal works were also highly regarded and helped to establish the operatic form as a major genre in Baroque music. Despite his struggles with mental illness, Rossi's contributions to the world of classical music continue to be celebrated and studied by musicians and scholars around the world.

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