Life
His entire creative trajectory, from training to full maturity, unfolded consistently and exclusively within the Baroque period, of which he was a prolific and influential exponent.
Maurizio Cazzati was born in Luzzara in 1616. He served as musical director in nearby cities such as Mantua, Bozzolo, Ferrara, and Bergamo. In Ferrara in 1652, he performed I gridi di Cerere, while in Bergamo in 1654, he presented Ercole effeminato. His reputation earned him the appointment of chapel master at San Petronio in Bologna in 1657, a prestigious position obtained without a direct request.
His arrival in Bologna strongly stimulated musical life, despite criticism from colleagues like Lorenzo Perti and Giulio Cesare Arresti, likely motivated by rivalry. He composed trio sonatas, capriccios, and dances, paving the way for a violin school that would influence Corelli. Notable among his pupils was Giovanni Battista Vitali.
In 1671, he left Bologna to return to Mantua, where he served under Duchess Isabella until his death in 1678. His output, consisting of over 60 printed collections, includes masses, sonatas, oratorios, and theatrical works.
Aneddoto
A famous pupil
Among his pupils was Giovanni Battista Vitali, who perfected the form of the sonata, making it a model for the next generation.Works
Cazzati composed theatrical works such as I gridi di Cerere (Ferrara, 1652), Ercole effeminato (Bergamo, 1654), Le gare de’ fiumi (Bologna, 1658), and Le gare d’Amore e di Marte (Bologna, 1662). He wrote oratorios such as Il Caino condannato (1664), Il diluvio (1664), Sisara (1667), La Giuditta (1668), Il viaggio di Tobia (1669), and La vittoria di San Filippo Neri (1669). His sacred music includes masses and motets, while his instrumental sonatas are today considered the most innovative core of his production.
Briciole di storia
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
