Giovanni Battista Pergolesi 4 January 1710 – 16 or 17 March 1736
Violin Concerto
Giovanni Battista Draghi, known as Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, was an influential Italian Baroque composer born on 4 January 1710. He died at just 26 years old, yet his music left a lasting impact. Pergolesi is celebrated for his operas, especially La serva padrona, which helped develop the comic opera genre, opera buffa. His work L’Olimpiade is also significant, showcasing his talent in opera seria. Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater is a renowned sacred composition, demonstrating his mastery of emotional expression in music. He studied in Naples and gained recognition for his performances and compositions. Despite his short life, he worked for noble patrons and contributed to the Neapolitan school of music. His style influenced many composers after him, and his works were widely performed, especially in France, sparking debates about musical styles. After his death, Pergolesi’s reputation grew, leading to many works being misattributed to him. Today, he remains a key figure in understanding Baroque music and its evolution, with his compositions still performed worldwide.
