A short video on Jacopo Peri

Summary

This video introduces Jacopo Peri, a composer born in Rome in 1561, who is credited with creating the world's first opera by modern standards, 'Daphne.' Peri's work, inspired by Apollo's love for the nymph Daphne, was first performed privately in 1598 during carnival. Despite most of his music being lost, the libretto survives, offering a glimpse into early operatic history. Peri's influence on later composers, like Claudio Monteverdi, is significant, and his work laid the foundation for opera's global evolution.

Takeaways

• 🎵 Jacopo Peri was a composer born in Rome in 1561, known for his significant contributions to the early development of opera.
• 🏰 Peri moved to Florence at a young age, where he joined the convent of Santa Maria and studied music, eventually working in various churches as an organist and singer.
• 🎼 He served the Medici court and was involved in the musical life of Florence, working under the patronage of the Medici family and other leading patrons.
• 🌐 'Dafne', composed by Peri, is considered the world's first opera by modern standards, with a libretto by Ottavio Rinuccini and music by Peri and Jakobaccio Corsi.
• 🎭 'Dafne' was first performed privately in 1598 during the Carnival season at the Palazzo Corsi and was later performed in subsequent years.
• 📜 Most of Peri's music has been lost, but fortunately, the libretto for 'Dafne' still exists, providing a historical record of this early opera.
• 🎉 In 1600, Peri was commissioned to write 'Euridice' for the marriage of Maria de Medicis to Henry IV of France, which was performed at the Palazzo Pitti with Peri singing the title role.
• 🎭 'Euridice' was notable for the controversy surrounding the music, as the singer was instructed to perform Giulio Caccini's music over Peri's, which was not well received.
• 📉 Despite the challenges, 'Euridice' stimulated wider interest in opera, and the art form developed significantly in the following decades.
• 🌟 Peri's influence on later composers is undeniable, although by the time of his death in 1633, his style was considered somewhat outdated compared to emerging composers like Claudio Monteverdi.

Q & A

Who is Jacopo Peri and why is he significant in the history of opera?

Jacopo Peri was an Italian composer born in 1561 in Rome. He is significant because he is regarded as the composer of the world's first opera by modern standards, 'Dafne'.

What is the name of the first opera by modern standards, and on what story is it based?

The first opera by modern standards is 'Dafne', and it is based on the story of Apollo falling in love with the nymph Daphne.

Who wrote the libretto for Jacopo Peri's opera 'Dafne'?

The libretto for 'Dafne' was written by the poet Ottavio Rinuccini.

When and where was 'Dafne' first performed?

'Dafne' was first performed privately in 1598 during the carnival season at the Palazzo Corsi in Florence.

What other opera did Jacopo Peri compose, and for what occasion?

Jacopo Peri composed the opera 'Euridice' for the occasion of Maria de Medicis' marriage to Henry IV of France.

What was unique about the performance of 'Euridice' in relation to the music and the singer?

The performance of 'Euridice' was unique because Jacopo Peri insisted that the singers perform his music and not that of Giulio Caccini, which was a point of contention.

Why were the Medici family not as enthusiastic about opera?

The Medici family was not as enthusiastic about opera because it was not a good vehicle for the propaganda they required for their court entertainments.

What happened to most of Jacopo Peri's musical compositions?

Most of Jacopo Peri's musical compositions have been lost, with only a few fragments surviving, six in total, four by Peri and two by Corsi.

What is the significance of 'Euridice' in the development of opera?

The opera 'Euridice' is significant because it stimulated wider interest in the new music and opera, which really developed as an art form over the next few decades.

How did opera evolve after the premiere of 'Dafne'?

After the premiere of 'Dafne' in 1598, opera proliferated around the world, reflecting the languages and cultures of its creators, becoming a global and versatile art form.

Who is the next composer that will be featured in the series, and how does he relate to Jacopo Peri?

The next composer to be featured in the series is Claudio Monteverdi, who was a contemporary of Jacopo Peri and whose style eventually overshadowed Peri's by the time of his death in 1633.