Agostino Steffani

Full biography Agostino Steffani

Agostino Steffani was an Italian composer, diplomat, and churchman. He was born in Castelfranco Veneto in 1654 and died in Frankfurt am Main in 1728. Steffani was a prolific composer who wrote operas, cantatas, oratorios, and chamber music. His music was well-regarded during his lifetime and he had a significant influence on later composers, including George Frideric Handel.

In addition to his musical career, Steffani also held several positions in European courts. He served as the court composer and music director for the Bavarian Elector in Munich from 1688-1698, and later worked as a diplomat in the service of the Hanoverian Elector and the Duke of Brunswick.

His most famous opera is "Niobe, regina di Tebe" which premiered in Munich in 1688. The opera was a great success and it helped establish Steffani as a major composer. Other notable operas by Steffani include "Tassilone," "Alarico il Baltha," and "Orlando generoso."

Steffani's chamber music is also highly regarded, particularly his collections of sonatas. These works showcase Steffani's skill in writing for smaller ensembles and demonstrate his ability to craft memorable melodies.

Despite being a highly respected composer during his lifetime, Steffani's music fell into obscurity after his death. It wasn't until the 20th century that his music began to undergo a revival. Today, Steffani is recognized as an important figure in Baroque music and his works are performed and recorded by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world.