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Composer

Giuseppe Sarti

1729 — 1802

Albums

Arias for Benucci: Music Written for Francesco Benucci, Mozart's First Figaro
Matthew Rose, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen

The Captivating Compositions of Giuseppe Sarti

Explore the captivating compositions of Giuseppe Sarti, the late 18th-century Italian composer who enchanted Europe with his operas and religious music. Giuseppe Sarti (1729–1802) was a prolific Italian composer best known for his operas and significant influence on the European musical scene in the second half of the 18th century. Over his career, Sarti wrote more than 50 operas as well as sacred music, and he was active in major cultural centers across Italy, Denmark, and Russia.

Join us on STAGE+ as we delve into some of Sarti's most stunning works that truly reflect his talent for beautiful melodies and emotional depth. Let the beauty of Sarti's music take you back in time, and capture your heart with the sublime artistry and richness of his works.

Arias for Benucci: Music Written for Francesco Benucci, Mozart’s First Figaro

Marvel at the performance of the exquisite "Arias for Benucci", a dazzling collection of music pieces composed specifically for Francesco Benucci, who initially performed the role of Figaro in Mozart's opera. The incredible bass singer, Matthew Rose, breathes new life into these pieces, accompanied by the accomplished Arcangelo ensemble, led by the brilliant conductor Jonathan Cohen.

Sarti's Connection to Francesco Benucci and the Era

Francesco Benucci, famed as the original Figaro in Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro, was one of the leading bass-baritones of his era. While Mozart wrote iconic roles for Benucci, Sarti was among the prominent composers contributing to the repertory that showcased Benucci’s voice. Sarti's style was admired for its lyricism and dramatic expressiveness, making his arias particularly suitable for celebrated singers of his day.

Highlights of Sarti’s Operatic Career

Sarti’s first major opera, Pompeo in Armenia (1752), quickly established his reputation for musical drama. This was followed by the highly successful Il re pastore (1753). He spent two decades in Copenhagen as court composer, producing a significant number of Italian and Danish operas. His works played a significant role in the spread of Italian opera across northern Europe.

Later in his life, Sarti was invited to the court of Catherine the Great in St. Petersburg, where he became an influential figure in Russian music and composed extensively for the imperial court. During a visit to Vienna, Sarti personally met Mozart, who famously quoted a theme from Sarti’s opera Fra i due litiganti il terzo gode in the supper scene of Don Giovanni.

Importance of Sarti’s Arias for Star Singers

Sarti was a master at writing arias that emphasized dramatic range and vocal brilliance. His works were highly admired for their beautiful melodies and emotional depth, contributing significantly to the repertoire of the celebrated singers of his era.

Join us for this musical journey on STAGE+ and be inspired by the magic of Giuseppe Sarti's compositions.