Life
Trained at the dawn of the Arcadian taste, his long career led him to reach full maturity in an era of great stylistic richness, in which Arcadian solidity fused with the new elegance of the Rococo and with the critical spirit of the Enlightenment.
Born in Siena in 1679, Girolamo Chiti trained in Tuscany before moving to Rome, where he established himself as a central figure in the city's musical life. In 1726 he was appointed chapel master of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a position he held until his death. His long career saw him engaged as a composer of sacred music, a theorist, and an author of writings on music.
He was known for his contrapuntal rigor and for his activity as a teacher. He wrote treatises that helped define the theoretical principles of eighteenth-century music. His correspondence with musicians and scholars of the time is a precious source for musical history. He died in Rome in 1759, leaving a legacy of sacred compositions and theoretical writings of great interest.
Aneddoto
A rigorous master
It is said that during rehearsals he demanded the utmost contrapuntal precision, earning a reputation as a strict but respected conductor.Works
He composed masses, motets, oratorios, and music for the Roman liturgy. He wrote treatises and letters that circulated widely, addressing themes of music theory and performance practice.
Briciole di storia
The vices of Italians
In the heart of the eighteenth century, Pietro Calepio wrote a Letter on Italian Customs that was translated into French and published in 1728 in the prestigious Bibliothèque Italique. In this text, which became very well known, Calepio did not limit himself to describing Italy in general, but clearly and sincerely denounced various vices of Italian society. Among his sharpest criticisms was the poor functioning of schools and, in particular, the idleness in which most of the nobility lived, considered the cause of their dissoluteness. He also denounced the low regard given to the female role.
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
