Biography

Pietro Metastasio (1698–1782), born Pietro Antonio Domenico Trapassi in Rome, was a renowned Italian poet and librettist, regarded as one of the most significant figures in 18th-century opera. He adopted the name "Metastasio" after being mentored by the famed scholar Gian Vincenzo Gravina, who recognized his literary talent early on. Metastasio's work significantly influenced the development of opera seria, a dominant operatic genre of his time, known for its focus on serious, heroic, and historical themes.

Metastasio's libretti, many set to music by composers like Johann Adolph Hasse, Christoph Willibald Gluck, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, are characterized by their elegance, emotional depth, and strong moral underpinnings. His most famous works include Didone abbandonata (1724), La clemenza di Tito (1734), Artaserse (1730), and Attilio Regolo (1750). His poetry's ability to blend lyrical beauty with dramatic intensity made him a central figure in shaping European musical theater for over half a century.

Besides opera, Metastasio wrote numerous oratorios, cantatas, and sacred dramas. His work resonated beyond Italy, influencing the cultural and literary landscape across Europe, especially in Vienna, where he lived from 1730 until his death, serving as the court poet to Emperor Charles VI.