Domènec Terradellas facts for kids
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Domènec Terradellas (born February 13, 1713, in Barcelona, Spain – died May 20, 1751, in Rome, Italy) was a Spanish opera composer. He is known for writing music in the popular Italian style of his time.
Contents
His Musical Journey
Early Life and Training
Domènec Terradellas was born in Barcelona. His father was a day laborer. We don't know much about his first music lessons.
In 1732, he moved to Naples, Italy. There, he became a student at a special music school called the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo. He learned how to compose music from a very famous teacher, Francesco Durante.
Many composers from other countries went to Italy to study. This was because Italian opera was the most popular type of opera across Europe. Composers like George Frideric Handel from Germany and Thomas Arne from England also adopted the Italian style.
Working in Italy
Terradellas's first major work was an oratorio called Giuseppe Riconosciuto. An oratorio is like an opera but without costumes or acting. It was performed in Naples in 1736. His first opera, Astarto, was shown in Rome in 1739.
He also wrote a funny opera called Gl'intrichi delle cantarine in Naples in 1740.
In 1743, Terradellas became the music director (maestro di cappella) at a Spanish church in Rome. This church was called San Giacomo degli Spagnuoli. He wrote many religious pieces for the church, including several masses and motets. He worked there for about two years.
During his time at the church, he also composed two important operas: La Merope (1743) and Artaserse (1744). These operas showed his great talent. His opera Semiramide was performed in Florence in 1746. Some songs from this opera were later published in London.
Time in London
The world of opera in London was quite different from Italy. Italy was the main place for opera, with many theaters. London was not as focused on opera at that time. Even famous composers like Handel sometimes had difficulties there.
Lord Middlesex, a nobleman who loved opera, invited Terradellas to London for the 1746–47 season. Terradellas's music was featured in an opera called Anibale in Capua.
He then wrote two new operas for London: Mitridate (1746) and Bellerofonte (1747). These operas were performed on Tuesday and Saturday nights. After some performances, there were even fireworks displays!
After his time in London, not much is known about Terradellas for the next three years. He may have been in Brussels, as some of his religious works were found there.
Main Compositions
Here are some of Domènec Terradellas's most important works:
Operas
- Astarto (Rome, 1739)
- La Cerere (1740)
- Gl'intrichi delle cantarine (Naples, 1740)
- La Merope (Rome, 1743)
- Artaserse (Venice, 1744)
- Semiramide (Florence, 1746)
- Mitridate (London, 1746)
- Bellerofonte (London, 1747)
- La Didone (Turin, 1750)
- Imeneo in Atene (Venice, 1750)
- Sesostri (Rome, 1751)
Religious Music
Terradellas also wrote many pieces for church services, especially during his time in Rome. These include:
- 3 Masses
- Praestantissime
- O Diem
- Luminosa
- Beatus vir
- Confitebor
- Credidi
- Dixit Dominus
- Laudate
- Laetatus sum
- Domine ad adjuvandum
- Sat laetitae
- And other shorter religious works.
See also
In Spanish: Domingo Terradellas para niños
