Francesco Pasquale Ricci

Francesco Pasquale Ricci (born May 17, 1732 in Como , † November 7, 1817 in Loveno di Menaggio ) was an Italian composer .

Life

After studying music in Milan, he became a member of the Franciscan Order and was called Abbate . Although he was appointed Maestro di cappella des Doms von Como in 1759 , he was able to make frequent trips in the following years, which took him to Paris, London and The Hague . Here he performed in concerts from 1766 to 1780 and published symphonies, string trios, quartets and piano sonatas, which were also published in Amsterdam, Paris and London. In 1788 a Méthode pour le forte-piano was published in Paris , which was tailored to a conservatory in Naples . In this piano method, the name of Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782) appears, which indicates a collaboration between the two composers. It is possible that the two musicians met in Milan and continued their friendship in London. Ricci later returned to his native Como, resumed his position as Kapellmeister at the cathedral and is said to have held it until the end of the 18th century. His instrumental works were widespread in the second half of the 18th century and seem to have become known even in the US. In a letter dated February 11, 1778, Leopold Mozart referred to Ricci as a “half-composer” and “smearer”, but that says nothing about his popularity.

Works

Orchestral works

• 3 symphonies for strings, two oboes and two horns, op.1 (The Hague around 1765; also published individually)
• 6 symphonies for strings, two oboes and two horns, op.2 (Amsterdam around 1767)
• 3 Symphonies concertantes, op.9 (The Hague, London and Paris around 1775)
• Flute concert
• Cello concerto

Chamber music

• 6 trios for two violins and violoncello op.3 (Amsterdam around 1765)
• 6 trios for violin, viola and violoncello op.10 (The Hague around 1775)
• 6 sonatas for harpsichord, violin and violoncello op.4 (London around 1768)
• 6 sonatas for harpsichord and violin op.6 (The Hague, around 1770)
• 6 quintets for various woodwind instruments and strings (No. 5 with harpsichord) op.5 (London around 1768)
• 6 string quartets op.8 (The Hague around 1733)
• Divertimento for harpsichord and violin (The Hague around 1770)
• Minuetti ballabili e Notturni for 2 violins and basso continuo (The Hague around 1775)
• other works

Vocal works

• Isacco figura del redentore , Oratorio (1762)
• Dies irae for 4 voices and orchestra op.7 (The Hague around 1773)
• Recordare (London around 1806 in C. La Trobe in Selection of Sacred Music, ii)
• Mass in g (London 1792 in S. Webbe: A Collection of Masses ; also London 1811 in Sacred Music )
• 6 arietas for two voices and basso continuo (The Hague around 1777)
• Canzone buffa (mentioned by Gerber)
• Fair (doubtful)
• other sacred works

Textbooks

• [Méthode ou] Recueil de connoissances elementaires pour le forte-piano ou clavecin (Paris around 1788 / R1973)
• Aux plus heureux jeux harmoniques pour composer des menuets ou des contredanses (mentioned by Gerber)

literature

• Ronald R. Kidd:  Ricci, Francesco Pasquale. In: Grove Music Online (English; subscription required).

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Ricci, Francesco Pasquale on publish.uwo.ca