Gaetano Maria Schiassi

This Italian composer was primarily known for his operatic compositions but his instrumental works for the violin were more than acceptable. Schiassi's works for violin include settings for sonatas, concertos, sinfonias and dances. His vocal music, other than the operas, were most often set as pastorales. Schiassi was in service at a number of places including the ducal court of Alderano Malaspina, the Landgrave of Darmstadt, and the royal chapel in Lisbon. While in Lisbon Schiassi founded the Academia de Musica de Trinidade and correspondence between he and Padre Martini reveal a great deal of information regarding musical practices in Lisbon. Schiassi's setting of "Didone abbandonata" was well-received as was his comedy "La Zanina finta contessa." ~ Keith Johnson