Giovanni Battista Pergolesi was a preeminent Italian composer, violinist, and organist, renowned for his expressive compositions and for his role in shaping the form and style of Italian opera. Born in Jesi, Italy, on January 4, 1710, Pergolesi was a musical prodigy who would leave an indelible mark on the world of Baroque music despite his tragically short life—he died of tuberculosis at the young age of 26 on March 16, 1736.
During his brief career, Pergolesi contributed significantly to the development of the opera buffa (comic opera) with masterpieces such as "La serva padrona" (The Maid as Mistress), which is considered a cornerstone of the genre. This intermezzo, in particular, was integral to the evolution of opera, influencing future composers across Europe. Pergolesi's religious oeuvre is equally celebrated; his "Stabat Mater," composed in the final weeks of his life, is a profound, emotive work that continues to captivate audiences and is a staple of choral repertory. Pergolesi's impact on music was such that his style was widely imitated and his works were revered across the continent, ensuring his legacy endured far beyond his short life.
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