Riccardo Broschi

Full biography Riccardo Broschi

Riccardo Broschi (c. 1698 - 1756) was an Italian composer of baroque music , known for his works in the opera genre. He was also the brother of the famous castrato opera singer Carlo Broschi , who was better known by his stage name Farinelli. Riccardo Broschi was born in Naples, Italy and later moved to London in 1726, where he wrote several heroic operas.

Broschi's compositions were highly regarded in his time , and he was particularly known for his ability to showcase his brother's vocal range in his works. In fact, many of Broschi's operas were written specifically for Farinelli, who was arguably the most famous castrato singer of his time. The popularity of Farinelli's voice meant that Broschi's operas were in high demand across Europe, and he eventually became a composer who was primarily associated with his brother's performances.

Despite his success, Broschi's music did not achieve the same level of enduring popularity as that of other baroque composers such as Handel and Vivaldi. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in his work, with several performances and recordings of his operas taking place. Broschi's music is known for its ornate melodies, virtuosic vocal writing, and fast-paced tempos, which were all characteristic of the baroque era.

Overall, Riccardo Broschi was a talented composer who made significant contributions to the baroque opera genre. His works were closely tied to the performances of his brother and helped to showcase the vocal abilities of the castrato singers of his time. While his music may not have achieved the same level of fame as that of other baroque composers, it remains an important part of the musical canon of the era.