Domenico Cimarosa, Italian composer and educator (b. 1749)

Domenico Cimarosa, born on December 17, 1749, in Aversa, Kingdom of Naples, and passing on January 11, 1801, in Venice, was a preeminent Italian composer. Renowned as a leading figure of the Neapolitan school and a significant contributor to the Classical period of music, Cimarosa's prolific output and melodic genius cemented his place in operatic history. His influence was substantial, particularly in the realm of opera buffa, or comic opera, a genre he helped to define and popularize.

Cimarosa's compositional legacy is dominated by his extensive operatic catalog, encompassing more than eighty works. While he explored various musical forms, his comedic operas were exceptionally successful and widely celebrated across Europe. The pinnacle of his operatic achievements, and indeed his most enduring work, is Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage), which premiered in Vienna in 1792. This opera buffa received an unprecedented reception; Emperor Leopold II was reportedly so charmed by it that he ordered supper for the entire company and had the entire opera encored immediately after its first performance. Its intricate plot, witty libretto, and sparkling music made it one of the few 18th-century operas to remain consistently in the international repertoire, underscoring its timeless appeal and Cimarosa's mastery of the form. Beyond his famed operas, Cimarosa also composed a respectable body of instrumental works, including symphonies, concertos, and sonatas, alongside various pieces of sacred music, such as oratorios, masses, and cantatas, showcasing his versatility.

Although principally based in Naples, a vibrant hub of operatic innovation and the birthplace of the influential Neapolitan school, Cimarosa's illustrious career saw him journey across Italy. He received prestigious commissions from and composed for the leading opera houses in culturally significant cities such as Rome, Venice, and Florence, broadening his reach and reputation. His international renown soared further when, between 1787 and 1791, he was invited to the lavish court of Empress Catherine the Great in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Serving as her court composer and conductor, this prestigious appointment reflected his high standing in European music and offered him unique opportunities to create new works for the imperial court, further expanding his artistic horizons and demonstrating the global reach of Italian opera.

Cimarosa's later years were marked by significant political turmoil. Upon his return to Naples, he found himself embroiled in the volatile political climate ignited by the French Revolutionary Wars. A staunch supporter of republican ideals, he notably backed the Parthenopean Republic, a short-lived state established in 1799 with French support, in its struggle to overthrow the Bourbon monarchy. When the monarchy was restored, Cimarosa, like many who had aligned with the revolutionary cause, faced severe repercussions. He was imprisoned for his political leanings and subsequently exiled from Naples, a testament to the dangerous intersection of art and politics during this tumultuous era. Domenico Cimarosa passed away in Venice on January 11, 1801, at the relatively young age of 51. While contemporary rumors suggested he was poisoned, this claim remains unverified, with illness likely exacerbated by his recent hardships being the more probable cause.

Frequently Asked Questions About Domenico Cimarosa

Who was Domenico Cimarosa?

Domenico Cimarosa was a highly influential Italian composer of the Classical period, born in 1749 and dying in 1801. He is primarily known for his prolific output of over eighty operas, particularly in the opera buffa (comic opera) genre, and was a prominent figure of the Neapolitan school of composition.

What is the Neapolitan school of music?

The Neapolitan school was a significant musical movement that flourished in Naples, Italy, from the late 17th to the 18th centuries. It was characterized by a focus on melody, clear harmonic structures, and a notable development of opera, particularly opera seria and opera buffa. Composers like Alessandro Scarlatti, Giovanni Paisiello, and Domenico Cimarosa were central to this school's influence on European music.

What is Domenico Cimarosa best known for?

Cimarosa is best known for his opera buffa, Il matrimonio segreto (The Secret Marriage), which premiered in 1792. This work achieved immense popularity and remains one of the few 18th-century operas to be consistently performed in the modern repertoire. His reputation primarily rests on his extensive catalog of over eighty operas.

Did Cimarosa compose anything other than operas?

Yes, while his operas are his most celebrated works, Domenico Cimarosa also composed a variety of instrumental music, including symphonies, concertos, and sonatas. Additionally, he wrote sacred music, such as oratorios, masses, and cantatas, demonstrating his versatility as a composer.

Why was Domenico Cimarosa imprisoned and exiled?

Domenico Cimarosa was imprisoned and subsequently exiled from Naples due to his political affiliations. In his later years, he supported the short-lived Parthenopean Republic, which was established with French assistance in Naples in 1799, aligning himself against the Bourbon monarchy. When the monarchy was restored, Cimarosa, like other republican sympathizers, faced severe political repercussions for his stance.