Life
His entire artistic arc, from the formative period to full maturity, consistently took place within the early 18th century, in a context where the solid structure of Arcadia merged with the new elegance of the Rococo.
Born in Naples in 1692, Michele Caballone dedicated himself to the study of music from a young age, attending the Conservatory of Santa Maria di Loreto. There he had the opportunity to train with masters of great caliber, such as Gaetano Veneziano and Giuliano Perugino, who enriched his talent and preparation.
In 1716, his private life was enriched by his marriage to Teresa Muscettola, with whom he had several children, including Gaspare, who followed in his father's footsteps, also becoming an appreciated composer. Starting in 1717, his artistic career gained momentum thanks to a fruitful collaboration with the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples.
Alongside his activity as a composer, Caballone distinguished himself as an excellent music teacher, transmitting his passion and knowledge to numerous students. Among his pupils was the famous virtuoso violinist Emanuele Barbella, son of his sister-in-law Antonia Muscettola. Despite some rumors unsupported by evidence, he was never the teacher of the renowned singer Faustina Bordoni.
Aneddoto
A family tradition
Michele's passion for music was so deep that it inspired his son Gaspare to undertake the same career, thus consolidating the musical talent within the family.Works
Michele Caballone's artistic production includes several theatrical works, most of which were performed on the stage of the Teatro dei Fiorentini in Naples. In 1728, he composed the opera buffa La cantarina, in collaboration with Costantino Roberto. In the same year, he brought two other opere buffe to the stage: La Ciulla, o pure Chi ha freuma arria a tutto and La finta schiava. The following year, in 1729, it was the turn of Ammore vò speranza. In 1730, he debuted in Rome with the opera seria Adone re di Cipro, on a libretto by Filippo Vanstryp. Another of his opere buffe, Li dispiette amoruse, was performed in Naples in 1731.
Other noteworthy compositions include four Salve Regina and various sacred works, such as the Kyrie of 1737, the Dixit of 1737, and the Laudate of 1739. He also wrote a Passione and a Miserere in 1737, in addition to a series of arias.
Some works, such as the opere serie Adriano in Siria and Alessandro nelle Indie (both on librettos by Pietro Metastasio and dated 1740 in Naples) and the opera buffa Cecilia (1728, Naples), are considered of uncertain attribution.