Pergolesi (1710-1736) studied singing, violin and composition at the Poveri di Gesu Cristo conservatoire in Naples. In 1732 he became chapel master to Prince Ferdinando Dolonna Stigliano, squire to the Viceroy of Naples. He wrote operas, opera buffa and Masses. His fame spread worldwide after his death. La Serva Padrona was performed across Europe, making history when it was staged in Paris on 1st August 1752. It triggered the Querelle des Bouffons pamphlet war between defenders of the French tradition and proponents of Italian opera buffa. Pergolesi was revered by the latter for his operas and sacred music, which, along with his other works such as Salve Regina in C minor and his Stabat Mater, sealed his immortality.
