Saverio Mercadante (1795-1870)

Introduction
Saverio Mercadante (full name Giuseppe Saverio Raffaele Mercadante) was an Italian composer who composed mostly operas. He was born in Altamurabut studied music throughout his younger years in Naples. In Naples, he learned the flute, violin, and studied composition. He was very successful in his studies and was even hired as a conductor at the Naples conservatory orchestra. At the conservatory, he composed many symphonies and concertos. Following these compositions, he began to compose operas which became very successful in his career. He returned to Italy in 1831 and rebuilt himself as a composer by composing some of his most memorable and crucial works. These works included II giuramento which will be mentioned in the section Works. Although he composed many of his important works during this time period, his compositions in later life were also very popular and successful. Mercadante was a unique composer because he was constantly composing prosperous pieces during his entire lifetime. For the last 30 years of life, he worked back at the Naples conservatory, where he began his music career, as the director of the conservatory. He became the director in 1840 and was completely blind by 1863. 7 years later Naples would become his final resting place, where he died in 1870. His contributions to the music world included development of structures used in opera, orchestration techniques, and melodic styles.

Works
Mercadante composed a large variety of works including choral works, pieces for piano, symphonies, concertos, and operas. Below are some important works of Mercadante:

- I Briganti, opera (1836)

- II guiramento, opera (1831) (exert performed in Alba Music Festival on June 3rd, 2017)

- Concerto for flute and orchestra in D

- Tantum ergo, for tenor, chorus, and organ

Comparisons
Mercadante wrote a large amount of operas but one opera in particular holds a special place in history. II guiramento which was written in 1831was a turning point in Mercadante's composition and reflects his extensive knowledge and development. In this piece, he focused less on the vocal lines and more on creating a balance in between vocals and the orchestra. The vocal lines in this opera were much simpler and the music was given a chance to also play a significant part in an opera. Mercadante was able to show his individuality through II guiramento and showcased his development as a composer.

Observations
Mercadante's music has a very large and full sound. Even in his compositions written for as little as two instruments, the composer found a way to make the piece still feel very full and texturized. Although a large number of his compositions were operas, he also composed very many instrumental works. His passion for orchestration was a driving force in the way he composed. His instrumental works included large ensembles down to small string orchestras.