Pietro Metastasio

Pietro Metastasio, originally named Pietro Antonio Domenico Trapassi, was born on January 3, 1698, in Rome, Italy. He was an illustrious poet and librettist known for his significant contributions to Italian opera seria. Metastasio's exceptional talent was recognized at a young age by Giovanni Vincenzo Gravina, a prominent literary scholar who became his mentor and adopted him, providing him with a classical education. Under Gravina's guidance, Pietro took on the name Metastasio, inspired by the Greek term for "transformation," reflecting his poetic aspirations.

Metastasio's career blossomed in Rome, and his work caught the attention of Emperor Charles VI, leading to his appointment as court poet in Vienna in 1730. This prestigious position solidified his influence in the world of opera. Over his career, Metastasio penned numerous libretti that became cornerstones of the opera seria genre, collaborating with composers such as Hasse, Mozart, and Gluck.

Notable works include "Didone abbandonata," "Artaserse," and "La clemenza di Tito." His libretti were renowned for their poetic elegance, emotional depth, and dramatic structure, deeply impacting European music and literature. Pietro Metastasio passed away on April 12, 1782, in Vienna, leaving a legacy as one of the foremost masters of operatic literature.