Francesco Antonio Pistocchi facts for kids
Francesco Antonio Mamiliano Pistocchi, often called Pistocchino, was an amazing Italian musician. He was a talented singer, a composer (someone who writes music), and a librettist (someone who writes the words for operas). He lived from 1659 to 1726.
Pistocchino was born in Palermo, Italy. As a boy, he was a super talented singer with a high voice, known as a "boy soprano prodigy." From 1696 to 1700, he held a very important job. He was the maestro di cappella, which means the main music director, for the Duke of Ansbach.
After 1700, Pistocchino started his own singing school in Bologna, Italy. He lived there until he passed away. He was also chosen twice to be the president of a famous music group called the Academia Filarmonica. One of his students was another well-known musician named Annibale Pio Fabri.
Pistocchino's Musical Works
Pistocchino wrote many different types of music. He was especially known for his operas and oratorios.
Operas
Operas are like plays where the story is told mostly through singing, with music played by an orchestra. The words for an opera are called a libretto. Pistocchino wrote several operas:
- Il Leandro (1679): This opera was first performed in Venice.
- Il Narciso (1697): This was a pastoral opera, meaning it had a countryside setting.
- Le pazzie d'amore e dell'interesse (1699): Pistocchino wrote both the music and the words for this one!
- Le risa di Democrito (1700): This opera was performed in Vienna.
- La pace tra l'armi (1700): This was a serenata, a type of musical performance, also with words written by Pistocchino.
- Bertoldo (1707)
- I rivali generosi (1710): This opera was a team effort, written with two other composers.
Oratorios
Oratorios are like operas, but they are usually based on religious stories and are performed without costumes, scenery, or acting.
- Il Martirio di San Adriano (1699)
- Maria Vergine Addolorata (1698)
- La fuga di Sta. Teresia (1717)
Other Compositions
Pistocchino also wrote other kinds of music:
- Scherzi Musicali: This was a collection of songs called arias, written in French, Italian, and German styles.
- Duetti e terzetti (1707): These were pieces for two or three singers.
- He also composed church music, including a setting of the 147th psalm, and other songs called cantatas.
- Cappricci puerili variamente composti in 40 modi sopra un basso d'un balletto (1667): This was a collection of pieces for instruments like the harpsichord, harp, and violin.
Recordings
You can still hear some of Pistocchino's music today! His oratorio San Adriano has been recorded by Symphonia.
