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Giuseppe CarpaniItalian imperial court poet
Date of Birth: 28.12.1751
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Giuseppe Carpani: The Poet and Biographer of Classical Music
- Opera Librettist and Court Poet
- Political Activism and Exile
- Royalist Spy and Imperial Pensioner
- Connections with Musical Figures
- Literary Works and Translations
- Legacy and Death
Giuseppe Carpani: The Poet and Biographer of Classical Music
Early Life and Jesuit EducationGiuseppe Carpani was born in Brianza, Lombardy, and received a Jesuit education in Milan. Initially intended to study law in Pavia, his passion for literature soon became evident. He began writing poetry and plays, both in standard Italian and the Milanese dialect.
Opera Librettist and Court Poet
Carpani's literary breakthrough came in 1780 with the opera "Gli antiquari in Palmira," for which he wrote the libretto. This work brought him to the Milanese court, where he penned librettos for performances at the royal residence in Monza. He also translated and adapted French works, some of which were republished under his name.
Political Activism and Exile
From 1792 to 1796, Carpani served as editor of the "Gazzetta di Milano." During this turbulent period marked by Napoleon's conquest of Italy, he wrote outspoken anti-French articles in the journal. When the French captured Milan in 1796, Carpani fled to Vienna.
Royalist Spy and Imperial Pensioner
In Vienna, Carpani became a staunch royalist supporter of the Austrian empire. He worked as a secret informer, sending reports in French to his superiors, Baron Hager and later Count Sedlnitzky. His loyalty earned him a pension from the Austrian emperor himself.
Connections with Musical Figures
Carpani had a brief acquaintance with Ludwig van Beethoven, meeting him once in 1822. Despite Beethoven's deafness, they communicated through writing. In 1824, Carpani defended Antonio Salieri against allegations that he had poisoned Mozart.
Literary Works and Translations
Carpani translated French and German operas into Italian and wrote the oratorio "La passione di Gesú Christo." He also translated Haydn's "The Creation," and published a biography of Haydn entitled "Le Haydine."
Legacy and Death
Carpani's work as a librettist, translator, and biographer contributed significantly to the history of classical music. He died in Vienna on January 22, 1825, at the age of 74. Despite some criticism for his writings, Carpani remains an important figure in the cultural landscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
