Metastasio, Italian-Austrian poet and composer (b. 1698)

Pietro Antonio Domenico Trapassi, a name that might not immediately ring a bell for many today, is far more renowned by his illustrious pseudonym, Pietro Metastasio. Born in Rome on January 3, 1698, and passing away in Vienna on April 12, 1782, Metastasio was an Italian poet and librettist whose profound influence on eighteenth-century European opera cannot be overstated. Indeed, he stands as the most pivotal and prolific writer of *opera seria* libretti, crafting narratives and verses that became the bedrock for countless musical masterpieces across the continent.

The Transformation: From Trapassi to Metastasio

The journey from Pietro Trapassi to the celebrated Metastasio is itself a tale reflecting the classical leanings of the era. Born into modest circumstances, his remarkable poetic talent was discovered early in his life. At the age of fourteen, he caught the attention of Gian Vincenzo Gravina, a prominent jurist and man of letters, who became his patron. Gravina, a scholar of Greek and Roman antiquity, encouraged Trapassi to Hellenize his surname. "Trapassi," meaning "passage" or "crossing" in Italian, was translated into its Greek equivalent, "Metastasis" (μετάστασις). Thus, Pietro Metastasio, meaning "one who undergoes a change of state" or "one who crosses over," was born – a name that perfectly encapsulated his literary destiny and the classical inspiration behind his art.

The Architect of Opera Seria

As a librettist, Metastasio's primary role was to craft the textual foundation for operas. This involved not just writing the story and dialogue, but also the verses for arias, duets, and choruses, all structured to allow composers ample opportunity for musical expression. His genius lay in his ability to combine poetic elegance with dramatic coherence, creating texts that were both morally uplifting and emotionally compelling.

Metastasio meticulously structured his libretti, typically adhering to a three-act format, rich in recitatives (dialogue-driven spoken or sung passages) that advanced the plot, and *da capo* arias (solo songs with an A-B-A structure) that explored characters' emotions. These arias often allowed for vocal virtuosity, making them immensely popular with singers and audiences alike. His plots, frequently drawn from classical mythology, ancient history, or heroic legends, explored themes of virtue, sacrifice, love, duty, and justice, resonating deeply with the Enlightenment ideals of his time.

A Legacy That Defined a Genre

Metastasio’s impact on *opera seria* – the dominant form of Italian serious opera in the 18th century – was unparalleled. His libretti were set to music by virtually every significant composer of his era, from Johann Adolf Hasse and Niccolò Jommelli to Christoph Willibald Gluck (in his earlier works) and even the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With over 70 libretti, many of which were set hundreds of times by different composers, he provided a standardized yet flexible framework that allowed for both dramatic consistency and musical innovation. His themes and dramatic conventions became synonymous with the genre, shaping audience expectations and influencing operatic development for decades.

After establishing his career in Rome, benefiting from the patronage of powerful figures, Metastasio moved to Vienna in 1729, where he served as the Imperial Poet to the Habsburg court for over 50 years. This prestigious position solidified his status as Europe's leading librettist, and from this vantage point, he continued to produce a steady stream of highly successful works that were performed in opera houses across Europe, from London to Saint Petersburg. His meticulous craftsmanship, the lyrical beauty of his verse, and his profound understanding of dramatic structure ensured his enduring legacy as a true master of the operatic stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Pietro Metastasio?
Pietro Metastasio, born Pietro Antonio Domenico Trapassi, was an influential Italian poet and librettist of the 18th century. He is widely regarded as the most important writer of *opera seria* libretti.
What is a librettist?
A librettist is a writer who creates the text (or "libretto") for an opera, oratorio, or musical work. This includes the plot, dialogue, and lyrics for songs and choruses.
What is *opera seria*?
*Opera seria* (Italian for "serious opera") was a noble and "serious" style of Italian opera that was dominant in Europe during the 18th century. It typically featured mythological or historical plots, heroic characters, a focus on vocal virtuosity through *da capo* arias, and themes of morality, duty, and love.
Why was Metastasio considered so important?
Metastasio was crucial because he perfected the form of the *opera seria* libretto. His works provided a consistent, high-quality dramatic and poetic foundation that was adapted by nearly every major composer of his time, effectively standardizing and elevating the genre across Europe.
Which famous composers used Metastasio's libretti?
Hundreds of composers set Metastasio's libretti to music. Notable figures include Johann Adolf Hasse, Niccolò Jommelli, Leonardo Vinci, Baldassare Galuppi, Christoph Willibald Gluck (in his early career), and even a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
What does Metastasio's pseudonym mean?
His pseudonym, "Metastasio," is a Hellenized version of his birth surname, Trapassi. "Trapassi" means "passage" or "crossing" in Italian, and "Metastasio" (from the Greek "Metastasis") carries a similar meaning, signifying a "change of state" or "crossing over."