Giovanni Battista Draghi

Full biography Giovanni Battista Draghi

Giovanni Battista Draghi, also known as Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, was a prominent Italian composer who lived from 1710 to 1736. Although his life was cut short due to tuberculosis, his legacy in the Baroque era of music has endured.

Born in Jesi, Italy, Pergolesi was trained in singing and composition at the Naples Conservatory. He began his career as a composer of opera, producing works such as "La Salustia" and "L'Olimpiade," which brought him recognition in the music world.

However, Pergolesi became most famous for his sacred music compositions, particularly his Stabat Mater. This piece, written for two voices and string orchestra, has become one of the most performed compositions of the Baroque period, known for its emotional depth and haunting beauty.

Pergolesi's contributions to music were not only in composition but also in the development of the intermezzo, a short opera performed between the acts of a larger work. He also helped to integrate traditional Italian comic characters into serious operas, inspiring later composers such as Mozart.

Although Pergolesi's life was short, his impact on music has been significant, making him a beloved figure in the history of classical music.