Forgotten Genius!: Giuseppe Gazzaniga
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Please help me celebrate the birthday of Giuseppe Gazzaniga, the Italian opera virtuoso and unsung hero behind the first Don Giovanni composition!
Giuseppe Gazzaniga
Giuseppe Gazzaniga was an Italian composer born on October 5th, 1743 in Verona. He became one of the most well-known composers of opera in the late 18th century. Though he didn’t reach the level of fame that Mozart or Rossini did, Gazzaniga made a big impact with his music during his lifetime.
I was introduced to select Gazzaniga operas as a small child by my uncle. My whole family loved opera, especially the Italian composers and singers, and it's also my favorite musical genre!
Gazzaniga's Early Life
Gazzaniga grew up in a time when opera was becoming a popular form of entertainment in Europe. His parents saw his musical talent early on, so they encouraged him to pursue a career in music. At a young age, he moved to Venice to study music, where he trained to develop his skills as a composer.
His Most Famous Work: Don Giovanni
Gazzaniga’s most significant contribution to music is his opera Don Giovanni Tenorio. While most people think of Mozart’s Don Giovanni when they hear the name, Gazzaniga actually composed his version first in 1787. His Don Giovanni Tenorio is a one-act opera, while Mozart’s Don Giovanni is a two-act opera. Both operas are based on the legend of Don Juan, a charming but immoral nobleman.
Mozart composed his version of Don Giovanni in the same year, 1787, and it premiered just months after Gazzaniga’s opera. Mozart’s Don Giovanni quickly gained widespread fame and overshadowed Gazzaniga’s version. Mozart’s adaptation, which includes more dramatic depth and complex characters, became one of the most celebrated operas of all time.
Other Operas And Works
Gazzaniga composed more than 50 operas during his lifetime. He specialized in a style of opera called opera buffa, which was a comedic form of opera. Opera buffa often had funny characters and light-hearted plots, making it very popular with audiences.
Though Don Giovanni Tenorio remains his best-known work, Gazzaniga also composed many other operas. Some of his works are lesser known but still showcase his talent as a composer.
List Of Composed Works
Here is a list of Gazzaniga’s known works, courtesy of Wikipedia. I highly recommend you listen to Don Giovanni Tenorio, which you can compare to Mozart's version.
Operas:
- Il barone di Trocchia (1768, Naples)
- La locanda (1771, Venice)
- Il Calandrino (1771, Venice)
- Ezio (1772, Venice)
- La tomba di Merlino (1772, Venice)
- L'isola di Alcina (1772, Venice)
- Zon-Zon (1773, Milan)
- Armida (1773, Rome)
- Il matrimonio per inganno (1773, Pavia)
- Il ciarlatano in fiera (1774, Venice)
- Perseo ed Andromeda (1775, Florence)
- L'isola di Calipso (1775, Verona)
- Il re di Mamalucchi (1775, Prague)
- Gli errori di Telemaco (1776, Pisa)
- La bizzaria degli umori (1777, Bologna)
- Il marchese di Verde Antico (1778, Rome)
- La vendemmia (1778, Florence)
- Il re dei pazzi (1778, Venice)
- La finta folletto o Lo spirito folletto (1778, Rome)
- Il disertore (Il disertor francese) (1779, Florence)
- Antigono (1779, Rome)
- Il ritorno di Ulisse e Penelope (1779, Rome)
- La viaggiatrice (1780, Naples)
- Antigona (1781, Naples)
- La stravagante (1781, Naples)
- Amor per oro (1782, Venice)
- La creduta infedele (1783, Venice)
- L'intrigo delle mogli (1783, Naples)
- La dama contadina (1784, Rome)
- Il serraglio di Osmano o le tre sultane (1784, Venice)
- Tulio Ostilio (1784, Rome)
- La moglie capricciosa (1785, Venice)
- Il finto cieco (1786, Vienna)
- Circe (1786, Venice)
- La contessa di Novaluna (1786, Venice)
- Le donne fanatiche (1786, Venice)
- Don Giovanni Tenorio (1787, Venice)
- La Didone (1787, Venice)
- La cameriera di spirito (1787, Venice)
- L'amore costante (1787, Venice)
- Erifile (1789, Venice)
- Gli Argonauti in Colco (1790, Venice)
- Idomeneo (1790, Padua)
- La disfatta dei Mori (1791, Turin)
- La dama soldato (1792, Venice)
- La pastorella nobile (1793, Fortezza di Palma)
- La donna astuta (1793, Venice)
- Il divorzio senza matrimonio ossia La donna che non parla (1794, Modena)
- Fedeltà e amore alla pruova (1798, Venice)
- Il marito migliore (1801, Milan)
- Martino Carbonaro o sia Gli sposi fuggitivi (1801, Venice)
Selected Sacred Music:
- San Mauro Abate (oratorio)
- Sansone (oratorio)
- I profeti al calvario (oratorio)
- Missa pro defunctis
- Te Deum laudamus
- Requiem
- Gloria in excelsis Deo
- Kyrie breve
- Credo
- Two different Tamtum ergo
- Stabat Mater (1800)
Selected Instrumental Music:
- Three piano concertos
- One symphony
Later Life And Legacy
Later in his life, Gazzaniga became a priest. He continued to compose music, focusing on religious works. While he never became as famous as some of his peers, Gazzaniga’s contribution to opera, especially his role in the early Don Giovanni tradition, is still remembered today. His operas and sacred works demonstrate his talent and influence in 18th-century music!
What We're Doing To Celebrate Giuseppe's Birthday
Tonight, we're having a small group of opera buffs over the house for an Italian dinner and drinks to celebrate Giuseppe's Birthday.
It'll be a pretty laid-back affair, as we are taking it easy this weekend. Sometimes, we have elegant seven-course dinners for our opera guests, but those have to be planned well in advance!
Of course, among the operas we will be listening to will be Don Giovanni Tenorio, which I have on vinyl as an original pressing! It will be glorious! Lol 😎
Still, I'm partial to Mozart's version, but we'll be sticking to Giuseppe's selected works to properly mark the occasion.
(From my opera collection on vinyl)
Tell Me What You Think!
Have you ever heard of Giuseppe Gazzaniga?
Did you know that there were two Don Giovanni operas?
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~60% Human written content.
Recent Comments
48
Hey Frank
I can't say that I've heard of this cat, but it sounds like he was a super talented individual!
Thanks for another lesson! I've learned something today!
And sweet PRS / Marshall combo!! 🎸
Keep on Rockin!! 🤘😎🎸🎸
Tim 🎼
Thanks, Tim!
You should take a closer look at opera. It has everything you value, like incredible music and singers with a vocal range and vibrato that could destroy any normal human. Lol 😂
It is widely believed that musicians first began adding vibrato to songs they played to mimic the vocal element of an opera singer.
Ultimately, the visual spectacle of a live operatic event ties it all together.
Yeah, that is supposed to be a "Blue Honey Burst" PRS guitar. Getting there, but still a long way to go in training my AI graphic generator. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hey Frank
You never know, I may just check it out again.
It is actually harder to hold a note in tune/key without vibrato, than with. But that's just my 2 cents worth, coming from the world of barbershop. Haha
I've never owned a PRS, but have always wanted to. Maybe some day I will put down the bass and buy a PRS to play!
Rock On, Frank!! 😎🤘🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
I'm not a singer, but I agree with you. Still, I love the sound of finger vibrato. It's like our sonic fingerprint. Think B. B. King vs. Angus Young, etc. You can pick out the greats with just one or two notes! Lol
PRS guitars have the best finishes and easiest playability, in my opinion. However, I find a Strat or Tele more fun to play because you have to fight with the guitar a little, which can change your sound or even the notes you play.
The only other two guitars I would compare to the playability of a PRS are a Parker and an SG.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hey Frank
Absolutely agree with vibrato while playing a guitar!
Yes, the greats are easy to pick out from guitar sound and style!
I have to fight, just to play a guitar!!!! 🤣🤣🤣
Many years ago, I had a Peavey - Andrian Vandenberg model guitar that I loved how it played, but I ended up getting rid of it. I wish I had that one back!
I could go on for hours, so I should stop. 😂😂
Keep Rockin!! 🤘🎸
Tim 🎼
Hi Tim
Wow, awesome axe! 👍👍
Here is the 80s model for sale on Reverb:
https://reverb.com/item/3216973-peavey-adrian-vandenberg-signature-model-1988-black
New ones are still available:
https://www.sweetwater.com/peavey-vandenberg/series?_queryID=ea18043817a191e8774d16620494cb5f&_index=production_products
(Disclaimer: Not affiliate links)
Have Fun! 🤘😎
Frank 🎸
Hi Frank
I guess I should've kept mine! I didn't pay anywheres close to that for mine! It was a beautiful fire engine red. Damn!
Tim 🎼
Yeah, I love red guitars and cars, Tim!
Keep an eye on Reverb dot com. I've seen them there in good condition for less than $1,000.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Hey Frank
This one could have actually been mine, I've always used DiMarzio strap locks. Haha
https://reverb.com/item/84607719-peavey-1988-usa-vandenberg-1st-year-low-serial-vintage-guitar-sunfire-red-s1
Tim 🎼
Wow, Tim - crazy find! What are the chances it's listed on Reverb today, right? Lol 👍
That price is based on the condition, 1st Year of manufacture, and the Low Serial #.
See, that's why I keep all my guitars! Lol 😆 🤣 😂
I also use DiMarzio strap locks; they rock! 💯
Frank 🤘🎸
I finally bought the strap locks for my bass a couple months ago.
When I bought my Vandenberg, I worked at a local music store and got it before anyone around here had even heard of them.
Ok, you talked me into never selling another guitar. 🤣🤣🤣
Tim 🎼
Happy to hear that, Tim! 👍👍
And, after you collect enough guitars, your wife will never realize that you purchased another one! Lol 😆
Frank 🎸
So are you telling us , Frank, that Mozart's Don Giovanni was a blockbuster hit with the critics and ticket sales and Gazzaniga's opera didn't stand a chance? 🤔
Don Juan was a big legend in inspiring multiple opera composers, with everyone bringing their own interpretation to it. I asked ChatGPT- there were at least six operas based on Don Juan between 1777 and 1787. And a few more in the 19th century.
I'm vaguely familiar with his name. I'm going to YouTube a few of his operas this week, Frank.
Appreciate the post! 🤘🎸
Isaiah 🙂
Hi Isaiah
It’s true, there are multiple operas based on Don Juan (also known as Don Giovanni).
Although Gazzaniga‘s opera came first Mozart predictably stole the spotlight with his masterpiece.
As a rather unfair comparison, that would be like me composing a song back in the 1960s that got a fair amount of record sales and then Jimi Hendrix releasing his version! Lol 😆
I’m thrilled that you plan on spending time listening to some of Gazzaniga’s works this weekend! I recommend you go through as much of the list I gave you as possible. Please let me know what you think. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
Wow so criminally underrated but I know a little of his work, Frank.
Thank you for another delightful share!
Have a great rest of your weekend!
Myra ♥️
That’s great, Myra! He is definitely one of the little known great opera composers.
Happy Sunday! 🥳
Frank 🎸
See more comments
Gazzaniga is certainly a forgotten genius Frank... but not by everyone!!
I'm sure I recognise the name from when my father used to play his opera records back in the day when we were having Sunday lunch!
I trust you all had a fantastic evening and Stacy cooked some amazing Italian food for you all!!
Rock On!
👍🍻😎🎸🥂
Bravo, Nick! 👍👍 🏆
Your father must have an outstanding opera collection!
Yeah, we all had a good time. It's amazing how music and food can bring everyone together! 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
I'm sure he does Frank!
But... I will always remember his music collection introducing me to the Beatles and the Stones above all else!!
👍😎🍻🎸🤣
Hi Nick
Yeah, the Beatles and the Stones really changed the musical landscape in the '60s! Those were such great years!
Happy Tuesday! 🥳
Frank 🎸
I sometimes wish I grew up then Frank!
But... we had some quality bands in the 90's as well!!
Rock On!!
👍🤣🎸🍻
Hi Nick
Yeah, I most enjoyed the '60s and '70s, musically speaking, although there will always be quality bands. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
So true Frank! But... I believe yourself and my parents grew up in the best times for music... and pretty much everything else if I'm honest!!
Rock On!!
🍸🎉👍🎸🍻😎
Yeah, those were great times, Nick! 😎👍👍🍻
Frank 🤘🎸
Undoubtedly Frank and much simpler as well I bet!!
👍🍻😎🎸
Yeah, no cell phones and VHS tapes didn't come out until the '70s.
A lot more time to play music back then! 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
Definitely better times Frank!
I can remember getting my first Sony Walkman in the late 80's and it was fantastic to listen to music... but huge!!!
👍🍻🎸😎
Hi Nick
Yeah, cassette tapes made music mobile, apart from transistor radios.
8-track tapes had too large a footprint, but they gave listeners instant access to four stereo tracks.
I didn’t really use Walkman devices to any extent until I lived in Italy, where I walked around outside throughout the day and night.
I preferred listening to music in my car or at home on much better equipment. 😎
Frank 🤘🎸
I can't disagree with you there Frank!!
I was a bit too young to drive when I got my first walkman though!!
👍🍻🎸😎
Yeah, that makes sense, Nick.
My guess is that you probably used your Walkman as a passenger in cars without a good sound system. 😎
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
You're spot on there Frank!
Sat in the back with my brother and sister whilst my parents were in the front!!
Rock On!!
👍😎🍻🎸🥂
Hahaha, that's great, Nick! 👍👍
Nothing but good musical memories! 😎 🎶 💯
Frank 🤘🎸
Always listening to my favourite tunes Frank!!
🤣👍🎸🍻😎
Lol, me, too, Nick! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 😃
Frank 🤘🎸
🤣🤣🤣👍🍻