Sebastiano Baldini

Sebastiano Baldini (1615–1685) was a satirical Roman poet, librettist for almost every composer operating in Rome at that time,[1] and a secretary to a series of cardinals. The most important was Flavio Chigi.[2] For his literary qualities and for his good humour he was well received by the aristocracy and Roman cultural circles. Alessandro Stradella used a text by Baldini, based on a scenario by Christina, Queen of Sweden, for his 1677 cantata/serenata La forza delle stelle (also incorrectly known as Il Damone).[3]

He was a member of various academies, including those of literary humorists in Rome and Pesaro (founded in 1645).[4] Baldini was drawn by Pier Francesco Mola.[5]

  1. ^ Talbot, Michael (2009). Aspects of the Secular Cantata in Late Baroque Italy. Ashgate. p. 4. ISBN 9780754657941.
  2. ^ Freitas, Roger, ed. (2006). Atto Melani – Complete Cantatas. A-R Editions. p. xv. ISBN 9780895795816.
  3. ^ Talbot 2009, p. 23.
  4. ^ Giorgio Morelli, "Sebastiano Baldini", in Strenna dei romanisti, XXXIX, 1978, p. 262
  5. ^ The poet Baldini drinking in Melosi's bar, Christie's