Italian Baroque composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736) died at such a young age that we might wonder what might have been. Nevertheless, his accomplishments over his brief life are many and his reputation grew after his death. One of his greatest contributions is the general development of opera buffa, contributing to the growing importance of Italian comic opera. His La serva padrona, the intermezzo for Il prigioniero superbo began to enhance his reputation even far from Naples. He also was one of many to write music for the Stabat Mater (Mother Stood), a liturgical art music form based on a prescribed text involving the crucifixion of Jesus Christ with His mother standing beneath Him.- Category ID : 24995
List of Pergolesi,_Giovanni_Battista Sites10 Websites
Biography from the Here Of A Sunday Morning radio program with education, appointments and commissions, major works, misattributions, partial discography, and related topics.
Catholic Encyclopedia entry notes his torn allegiances between sacred and secular music, mentions the delicate nature of his works coming from his own nature, and comments on his poor health.
Lists him among the premier musicians and composers of the early 1700s, especially for his contributions to opera buffa. Also notes his religious works, especially the Stabat Mater.
Find A Grave entry with summary of brief life and wide-ranging works, portrait, picture of cenotaph at Church of St. Anthony of Padua, Pazzuoli, Italy, and interactive memorial.