Lorenzo Ponte Italian librettist and translator. Date of Birth: 10.03.1749 Country: Italy

1. Lorenzo Da Ponte: Early Life and Education
2. A Literary Virtuoso in Vienna
3. Life in the United States
4. Legacy and Death

Lorenzo Da Ponte: Early Life and Education

Lorenzo Da Ponte, born Emanuele Conegliano, hailed from a Jewish family in Cenedo, Venetian Republic (now Vittorio Veneto). Following his mother's demise in 1754, his father converted to Catholicism with his children. During his baptism, Emanuele adopted the name Lorenzo Da Ponte, after the bishop who performed the ceremony.

From 1769, Da Ponte pursued theological studies at the seminary in Portogruaro, where he received his monastic ordination in 1773. He commenced teaching literature and rhetoric at the seminary in Treviso (1774-1776). However, his radical views and libertine lifestyle resulted in his expulsion from Treviso and Venice, where he had befriended Casanova.

A Literary Virtuoso in Vienna

In 1782, Da Ponte relocated to Vienna and secured the position of court poet-librettist, thanks to the patronage of court composer Antonio Salieri. Here, Da Ponte penned his most renowned librettos for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's operas: "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "Così fan tutte."

Da Ponte also contributed librettos to operas by Salieri ("Il Talismano," "Il ricco d'un giorno," "Axur, Re d'Ormus," "Il pastorella fedele," "La cifra"), Josef Weigl, Vicente Martín y Soler, and other composers.

Life in the United States

In 1790, financial constraints forced Da Ponte to resign from his post and move to Trieste, where he met his future wife, Nancy Grahl, an Englishwoman. He resided in Prague, Dresden, Paris, and London before emigrating to America in 1805.

In the United States, Da Ponte translated English works into Italian and penned his memoirs, "Memorie di Lorenzo Da Ponte da Ceneda" (1823-1827; German translation, 1861). He taught Italian literature at Columbia University in New York City, becoming the first Catholic priest to hold a university post. In 1826, he organized the American premiere of "Don Giovanni" (starring Maria Malibran as Zerlina). In 1828, at 79, Da Ponte acquired American citizenship.

Legacy and Death

Lorenzo Da Ponte passed away at the ripe age of 89 in New York City. He received a grand funeral in Brooklyn, attended by a vast crowd. Da Ponte's contributions to opera, literature, and education have left a lasting mark on the cultural landscapes of Europe and America.