Alessandro Melani

about

Alessandro Melani (4 February 1639 – 3 October 1703) was an Italian composer and the brother of composer Jacopo Melani, and castrato singer Atto Melani. Along with Bernardo Pasquini and Alessandro Scarlatti, he was one of the leading composers active in Rome during the 17th century. He is also ranked among the second school of Roman opera composers which began with his brother's 1668 opera Il Girello. He is chiefly remembered today for his large output of liturgical music that he wrote while serving in various musical posts in Rome. Of particular interest is the large number of polychoral motets that he produced and his eight ascribed oratorios. Three published collections of his liturgical music survive today along with numerous solitary motets from other published volumes. A number of original manuscripts also survive. Biography Born in Pistoia, Melani began singing at the Pistoia Cathedral at the age of 11, remaining there for ten years until he became maestro di cappella in Orvieto and Ferrara in 1660. He returned to Pistoia in December 1666 to replace his brother as maestro di cappella of the cathedral in June 1667. The following October he was appointed maestro di cappella of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. He remained there until July 1672 when he became the maestro at San Luigi dei Francesi, remaining in that role until his death 31 years later. Melani was a favorite composer of Cardinal Giulio Rospigliosi (later Pope Clement IX) and the Papal conclave

top songs

albums

Melani: Mottetti

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Mottetti, Melani

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Melani, A.: Europa (L') / Beatus Vir / Magnificat

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Melani: 6 Cantatas for Soprano

Arie Antiche

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L'Europa - Sacred Works

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The Fam'd Italian Masters

Melani: Marienvesper

Mottetti

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Melani: L'empio punito (Live)

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Bach, J.S.: Jauchzet Gott in Allen Landen / Melani, A.: Qual Mormorio Giocondo / Scarlatti, A.: Su Le Sponde Del Tebro

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Melani: Concerti Spirituali

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