Steffani, Agostino

Agostino Steffani, Italian composer, especially known for his chamber duets for two voices and continuo.

From the description of Libro di duetti dello Stefani dell' Illmo. Sigre. Alfonso Marsili. [17--] (Yale University). WorldCat record id: 599270970

Agostino Steffani (1654-1728) was born at Castelfranco and was an Italian composer, diplomat, and ecclesiastic. At age twelve Count Tattenbach, who had heard him sing at St. Mark's in Venice, brought him to Munich to study. He remained there for two years and obtained the position of court musician; he was soon promoted to director and court organist. In 1673 he went to Rome for one year in order to perfect himself in his profession. In 1688 he left Munich and was attached as musician to the court of Hanover where he resided with the philosopher Leibnitz.

In 1680 he was ordained and also produced his first opera. The Holy See made him an apostolic protonotary for north Germany, and in recognition of his services in Hanover the pope appointed him bishop of Spiga in Asia Minor. He was later appointed ambassador to Brussels. His merits as a musician were solemnly recognized in London by the Academy of Ancient Music, which elected him honorary life-president (1724).

From the description of Fondo Spiga, 1686-1728. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 145569624