Apostolo Zeno Apostolo Zeno (1668 in Venice – 11 November 1750 in Venice) was a Venetian poet, librettist, journalist, and man of letters.[2]
Apostolo Zeno | |
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File:Azeno.jpg | |
Born | |
Died | 11 November 1750 | (aged 81)
Burial place | Gesuati |
Nationality | Italian |
Education | Collegio di Castello |
Occupation | Poet, librettist, journalist, numismatist and man of letters |
Known for | Reform of melodrama |
Spouse(s) | Ludovica Mondonovo |
Parent(s) | Pietro Zeno and Caterina Zeno (née Sevastò) |
In 1691, he co-founded the Accademia degli Animosi, a literary society in Venice. In 1695, he wrote his first libretto, Gli inganni felici. It was a huge success and made way for many more to follow. From 1705 on, he professionally partnered with Pietro Pariati: Pariati composed the libretti while Zeno concentrated on the threatrical scenes. In total, Zeno wrote more than 66 dramas and oratorios, 15 in collaboration with Pariati.
The Zeno family was an ancient noble familiy of Venice. Expelled from Venice to Candia (Crete) in the 13th century in order to maintain order and suppress any rebellious subjects, they were only able to return after the assault on the isle by the Ottoman empire.
Zeno's libretti often centered on on historical and mythological themes.
The Treccani dictionary describes him as "A decent man of letters but not a true poet." Considering that Zeno was "Cesarian poet" in his time, it is fair to say that judgements may differ. However, it is clear that Zeno, at least when it comes to operatic libretti, is overshadowed today by Pietro Metastasio.
Apostolo Zeno in Philippe Jaroussky's discography, filmography and performance history
Studio albums
On video
Concert programs
Year | from Work | Composer | Concert program |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | La morte d'Abel | Antonio Caldara | Stabat mater – Caldara & Pergolesi |
See the respective program page for a list of possible recordings.
Complete list of musical pieces using Apostolo Zeno's libretti
This list only lists Pietro Metastasio's contribution to Philippe Jaroussky's recordings.
Year | Aria | from Work | Composer | Concert program | original first performance |
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2021 | Quel buon pastor son io | La morte d'Abel | Antonio Caldara | Stabat mater – Caldara & Pergolesi | 1732 |
References
External links
"Pietro Metastasio". Wikipedia. Retrieved September 16, 2021.