The keyboard music written by Bernardo Pasquini survives primarily within four manuscript volumes, compiled between 1691 and 1708, that are currently held in the Berlin State Library and the British Library. Born in 1637, he established himself as a central figure of the Italian Baroque, moving between roles as a prolific composer, organist, and harpsichordist in Rome.
Early Career and Roman Appointments
Born in Massa in Valdinievole, Pasquini studied under Mariotto Bocciantini in Uzzano. By age 13, he relocated to Ferrara, serving as organist for the Accademia della Morte from 1653 until 1655. He transitioned to Rome in 1657, securing a position as organist at Santa Maria in Vallicella. His professional standing increased in 1664 when he took over organ duties at the basilicas of Santa Maria Maggiore and Santa Maria in Ara Coeli.
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In 1667, Pasquini began a long tenure with the Borghese family, working under Prince Giovanni Battista Borghese and later his successor, Marcantonio. During this period, he collaborated with figures like Flavio Chigi and Pietro Ottoboni. His output included 16 operas and 15 oratorios produced between 1671 and 1692. Queen Christina of Sweden supported his career, commissioning works such as L'Alcasta in 1673 and Il Lisimaco in 1681.
Pedagogy and Late Academy Membership
Pasquini attained a reputation as a teacher of harpsichord technique. His students included Tommaso Bernardo Gaffi, Felice Bernardo Ricordati, and several international musicians, such as Georg Muffat and Johann Philipp Krieger. In 1706, he joined the Academy of Arcadia alongside Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti. He remained active in Rome until his death on 21 November 1710, with his burial taking place at San Lorenzo in Lucina.
Fast facts
- Born: 1637, Massa e Cozzile
- Died: 1710, Rome
- Primary occupations: Composer, organist, harpsichordist
- Academy membership: Arcadian Academy
- Burial site: San Lorenzo in Lucina
- Known keyboard work: Toccata con lo Scherzo del Cucco (1702)
Questions readers ask
What instruments did Pasquini play?
He was a professional organist and harpsichordist.
Where are his compositions stored today?
The majority of his keyboard works are in manuscripts located in the Berlin State Library and the British Library.
Achievements
- Instruments: pipe organ, organ and musical instrument
- Genres: opera
