Benigno Zerafa (1726-1804)
- Confitebor tibi Domine (1765)
Performers: Solistes du Tölzer Knabenchor; WoIfgang Schady (conductor)
Further info: Benigno Zerafa (1726-1804) - Nisi Dominus (1764)
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Maltese composer. As a boy soprano in the Mdina Cathedral cappella, he
received his early instruction from its maestro, Pietro Gristi
(1696-1738). On 8 July 1738, with financial help from the cathedral
chapter, he became a student at the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù
Cristo, Naples, under Francesco Feo, Alfonso Caggi and Girolamo Abos. He
returned to Malta in 1744 and on 22 August, when not yet 18 years old,
was appointed maestro di cappella at the cathedral. His irascible temper
was the probable cause of an incident which led to his dismissal in
1751. A suitable replacement not being found, he was reinstated on 15
April 1753 with even better conditions, and he was able to enlarge and
refine the cappella. He held the post until he died, although only
nominally after 1785 because of failing health. His last composition,
Litaniae B. Mariae Virginis, is dated 1782. Zerafa, who had been
ordained priest on 19 September 1750, was a gifted composer. 170 of his
works are extant (in Mdina Cathedral), all sacred and encompassing
virtually all contemporary genres as well as the stile antico.
Unusually, he preferred ‘Kyrie–Gloria–Agnus Dei’ settings of the Mass.
He composed several such works with multi-movement structures, either
for double or for single four-part choir, with instrumental
accompaniment. A sensitive and technically accomplished composer of
depth and individuality (Heighes), the economy and asceticism of his
stile breve create an aura of humble devotion in his music.
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