Pistocchi, Francesco Antonio

1659-1726

Italian singing-master and composer; born at Palermo, and died at Bologna. He published his Capricci puerili variamente compositi in 40 modi sopra un basso in 1667, at eight years of age. He studied under Vastamigli and Monari, and became chapelmaster of San Giovanni in Monte. He was a chorister at San Petronio in 1670. When less than twenty years of age he went on the stage, but as he did not succeed he joined the priests of the Oratorian Order. About 1697 he became chapelmaster at Ansbach. In 1700 established his famous School of Singing at  Bologna, followed by others in various cities of Italy. He established the modern style of singing. In 1708 and 1710 he was president of the Bologna Accademia Filarmonica. Pistocchi's works include the operas, Leandro, II Girello, Narciso, and Le rise di Democrito; Scherzi musicali; the oratorios, II Martirio di S. Adriano, Maria Virgine addolorata, and La fuga di S. Teresia. He also wrote duos and trios and much churchmusic.