Michielina della Pietà facts for kids

Michielina della Pietà (born around 1700, died after 1744) was a talented Italian musician. She was a composer, a violinist, an organist, and a music teacher.

Michielina was a foundling, meaning she was a child who had been abandoned and then cared for by an institution. She was admitted as a baby to the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, Italy. This was a special convent and orphanage known for its amazing music school, called the coro.

Early Life and Musical Training

Michielina received a full music education from a very young age at the Ospedale della Pietà. She learned to play several instruments and became a very skilled musician. She eventually became the main organist there. She also played the violin in the orchestra.

A Gifted Composer

Michielina was active as a composer during a time when many famous musicians led the school. These included Francesco Gasparini and Nicola Porpora. In 1726, she was given a special license to teach music.

We know she composed a litany (a type of prayer) for the Christmas celebration in 1740. She also wrote a setting of the hymn Pange lingua in 1741. Unfortunately, not much else is known about her life or what she did after that time.

Other Composers from the Ospedale

Michielina della Pietà was one of three foundling girls from the Ospedale della Pietà who grew up to become composers. The other two were Agata and Santa della Pietà. This shows how special the music training at the Ospedale della Pietà was for these young women.

See also

In Spanish: Michielina della Pietà para niños