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Francesco Gasparini facts for kids

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Francesco Gasparini, composer (caricature by Pier Leone Ghezzi, digitally reworked)
Francesco Gasparini, composer

Francesco Gasparini (born March 19, 1661 – died March 22, 1727) was a talented Italian composer and teacher from the Baroque period. His music was popular and performed in many parts of Italy, and sometimes even in Germany and England.

A Life in Music

Francesco Gasparini was born in a town called Camaiore, near Lucca, Italy. He moved to Rome to study music with two famous musicians, Corelli and Pasquini. His first important opera, Roderico, was performed in Rome in 1694.

In 1702, Gasparini moved to Venice, a city famous for its music. There, he became one of the most important composers. Later, in 1720, he returned to Rome. His last major work, an opera called Tigrane, was performed in 1724.

Gasparini's Operas

Gasparini wrote many operas. One interesting fact is that he created the first opera based on the story of Hamlet. This opera was called Ambleto and was performed in 1705. However, it was not based on Shakespeare's famous play.

A Great Teacher

Besides composing, Gasparini was also a respected teacher. Some of his most famous students became well-known composers themselves. These included Marcello, Quantz, and Domenico Scarlatti.

He also worked as the music director at a special school and orphanage in Venice called the Ospedale della Pietà. While he was there, he hired the famous composer Antonio Vivaldi as a violin teacher. Gasparini also wrote a book about playing the harpsichord in 1708. He passed away in Rome in 1727.

Musical Works

Francesco Gasparini wrote many different kinds of music.

Operas

He composed a large number of operas. You can find a full list of them here: List of operas by Francesco Gasparini.

Other Compositions

  • Missa canonica: This was a special piece of church music for four voices and basso continuo (a type of musical accompaniment). It was published in Venice in 1705.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Francesco Gasparini para niños

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