Carlo Francesco Pollarolo

Full biography Carlo Francesco Pollarolo

Carlo Francesco Pollarolo (ca. 1653 – 7 February 1723) was a notable Italian composer, organist, and music director. He is widely recognized for his contributions to operatic music, having written a total of 85 operas, as well as 13 oratorios and other sacred works. He was part of a musical family and probably received his early musical education from his father, who was also a well-known opera composer and organist.

Pollarolo began his career as a composer in the 1680s and created his first operas for performance in nearby Venice. His operatic style is known for featuring well-crafted melodies and dramatic music that accurately reflects the character's emotions. He also composed many other musical forms, including solo cantatas with Basso continuo and oratorios. Pollarolo's works were performed widely throughout Italy and beyond and were well-received by both audiences and critics.

Some of his best-known operatic pieces include "Ariodante," "La forza della virtù," "La zingara," and "Ifigenia in Aulide." Pollarolo's operas often dealt with historical or mythological figures and events.

Despite his significant contributions to opera music, Pollarolo's works fell out of popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. However, in recent years, many of his compositions have been rediscovered, and his music has once again gained appreciation by modern audiences.

Overall, Carlo Francesco Pollarolo remains a prominent figure in the history of Italian opera music. His compositions have had a significant impact on the development of the operatic genre, and his works continue to be performed and enjoyed by music enthusiasts around the world.