Pietro Generali

Who was Pietro Generali?

Pietro Generali was an Italian composer primarily of operas and vocal music.

Generali was born in Masserano. He studied counterpoint with Giovanni Masi in Rome and spent a few months at the Conservatoire in Naples. After graduation in Rome Generali began composing sacred music. Having produced his first opera in 1800, his first success came with Pamela nubile, followed by other farse, such as Adelina in 1810.

When Rossini began his rise to prominence, Generali moved first to Barcelona, directing the opera company of the Teatro de la S Creu, and from 1820 conducted and taught in Naples. In his last years, disappointed with the reception of his works, he held the position of maestro de capella at Novara Cathedral. He died, aged 59, in Novara.