Life
Trained in the heart of the eighteenth century, in a context where the elegance of the Rococo and the critical spirit of the Enlightenment coexisted, his long career as a celebrated tenor led him to reach full maturity in the period of Neoclassicism.
Cristoforo Babbi was born in Cesena on May 8, 1745, to Gregorio Lorenzo Babbi, an opera singer, and the soprano Giovanna Guaetti. The family moved to Naples, where the parents were signed by the Teatro San Carlo. In 1763 he moved to Faenza to study violin, counterpoint, and composition with Paolo Tommaso Alberghi, a disciple of Giuseppe Tartini.
Aneddoto
A princely contract
When he entered the service of the court of Dresden, Babbi received an annual salary of no less than 1,200 thalers, a considerable sum that testified to the high value attributed to his talent.Works
The catalog of Cristoforo Babbi's works includes violin concertos that were highly appreciated for their virtuosity and melodic elegance. He also wrote quartets and symphonies that circulated in European courts, as well as flute duets that reveal a refined and chamber-like taste.
Many of his works were performed in Dresden during court concerts, contributing—thanks in part to him—to strengthening the Saxon chapel's reputation as one of the most important musical centers in Europe.
Briciole di storia
Pubblico dominio (CC0)
