Giovanni Alberto Ristori

Italian Baroque composer Giovanni Alberto Ristori had a distinguished career in several Eastern European capitals and composed the first Italian opera performed in Russia. He also wrote attractive instrumental music in a Vivaldian vein. His operas are worthy of investigation for possible revival. Ristori grew up with Italian opera, and in 1717 he began composing music for his father's troupe of comedians. He was also appointed director of the Polish Kapelle in Warsaw. For several years he divided his time between Dresden and Warsaw. Ristori's operas Cleonice (1718) and Calandro (1726) attracted the highest of high-profile admirers. Later, Ristori turned to church music, composing three masses and winning an appointment as church composer. He died in 1753. ~ James Manheim