Giuseppe Gherardeschi

Giuseppe Gherardeschi (3 November 1759 - 6 August 1815) was an Italian organist and composer. He was born and died in Pistoia.

He began to study music with his father Domenico, who was the maestro di cappella at Pistoia Cathedral, and his uncle Filippo Maria Gherardeschi. He continued his studies with Nicola Sala in Naples at the Conservatorio della Pietà dei Turchini. On returning to his home city he was appointed organist at the Church of Santa Maria dell'Umiltà and later succeeded his father as director of music at Pistoia Cathedral.

As a composer he wrote vocal music (sacred and secular) as well as instrumental music (solo, chamber and orchestral).

Works

Vocal music

Secular Music Daliso e Delmita (opera, 1782) Angelica e Medoro (cantata, 1783) L'apparenza inganna (opera, 1784) L'ombra di Catilina (cantata, 1789) L'impazienza (cantata, 1798) La speranza coronata (cantata, 1804–1809) Other arias, duest and choral works

Sacred Music Il sacrificio di Jeft (oratorio, 1803) 30 Masses 37 Lamentations 90 Motets 5 Te Deum Altri lavori sacri minori

Instrumental Music 6 sonatas for harpsichord or fortepiano and violin obbligato Several concertoni Quintet for wind instruments 7 symphonies 6 trios for 2 violins and violoncello (1784) 2 sonatas for harpsichord Numerous organ works Other minor works