Life
His very brief career, in both the formative and the premature passing phase, was situated entirely in the heart of the eighteenth century, in a context where the elegance of the Rococo style and the critical spirit of the Enlightenment coexisted.
Pietro Comes, also called Gomes or Gomez, was born in Naples before 1739. Little is known of his life except through the librettos of his works, where he is identified as Neapolitan Chapel Master and master to the Duke of Castropignano. His career took place primarily at the Teatro della Pace, a venue for smaller productions compared to the city's major theaters.
He composed numerous opera buffa that document the genre's development in the 1740s. Although considered a musician of craft rather than genius, his works represent a significant testimony to the Neapolitan tradition. His last operas, such as Rosmonda (1755), were performed in more prestigious theaters. After that date, no further news of him exists.
Aneddoto
Among the most famous librettists
He collaborated with librettists such as Antonio Palomba, Pietro Trinchera, and Gennaro Antonio Federico—leading figures on the Neapolitan theatrical scene.Works
La taverna di Mostacchio (1739, libretto by Benedetto Saddumene); Li despette d’ammore (1744, libretto by Antonio Palomba); Le fenziune abbentorate (1745, libretto by Pietro Trinchera); La vennegna (1747, libretto by Pietro Trinchera); Lo chiacchiarone (1748, libretto by Antonio Palomba); Il nuovo Don Chisciotte (1748, libretto by Gennaro Antonio Federico and Antonio Palomba); and Rosmonda (1755, libretto by Antonio Palomba).
Briciole di storia
Self-defense
During his second stay in London, Giuseppe Baretti was the protagonist of a dramatic news event. One evening, while returning home, he was attacked by several thugs in a dark street. To defend himself, he drew a small knife and, in the scuffle, mortally wounded one of the attackers. Baretti was arrested and tried for murder, risking the death penalty. He was saved by his reputation and his high-level friendships. At the trial, some of England's greatest intellectuals testified in his favor. The jury, convinced by the testimony and his self-defense, acquitted him on grounds of self-defense in a verdict that caused a sensation throughout Europe.
Pubblico dominio (Commons)
