Pietro Domenico Paradisi
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Pietro Domenico Paradisi (also Pier Domenico Paradies) (Naples, 1707 – Venice, August 25, 1791) was an Italian composer, harpsichordist and harpsichord teacher, most prominently known for a composition popularly entitled "Toccata in A".
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[edit] Life and work
Probably a student of Nicola Porpora, he dedicated himself at first to composing for the theater. In 1746 he moved to London, where he became known as a teacher of harpsichord and singing. In 1770 he returned to Italy.
[edit] Instrumental and vocal music
His reputation is due to his music for the harpsichord, esteemed by music historians.
His musical style was influenced by Alessandro and Domenico Scarlatti. Especially celebrated above all were his twelve sonatas for gravicembalo (London, 1754). The Toccata in A that is still played today - there has not yet been a revival of more of his music - is an Allegro movement from his sonata VI in A major, which has established for itself a considerable discography. He was also the author of concertos for organ and harpsichord, individual pieces for harpsichord, arias and cantatas.
[edit] Dramatic music
(Year produced, place, name)
- 1738 Lucca - Alessandro in Persia
- 1740 Venice - Il Decreto del Fato (The Decrees of Fate)
- 1740 Venice - Le Muse in gara
- 1747 London - Fetonte
- 1751 London - La forza d'amore
- Antioco
[edit] External links
- Short bio at Move record label site
- Excellent article about Paradisi's sonatas, with many biographical references
- Listen to the "Toccata in A"
- Free scores by Pietro Domenico Paradisi in the Werner Icking Music Archive
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