In the dark, even a glimmer of light can often enable a sailor to find the harbor of his course. Metastaschio was born in Rome. His father, Felice Trapassi, was a native of Assisi and worked in the Corsican Service Corps under the jurisdiction of the Pope. His father married a Bolognese woman, Francesca Galasti, and became a grocer in Via dei Cappellari. The couple have two sons and two daughters, Tadzio being the youngest.
It is said that when Tadzio was a child he attracted large audiences during his impromptu recitation of verses on a given theme. At some point in 1709, two different people stopped to listen: Giovanni Vincenzo Gravina, known for his legal and literary erudition and his position as director of the Acadian Society; and Lorenzini, a critic who delivered a commentary. Gravina was attracted by the boy's poetic talent and personal charm, and accepted Tadzio as his favorite pupil. After a few weeks of classes, he admitted him. Tadzio's father was happy to give his son a good education and opportunities to be introduced into society.
Gravina used Greek grammar to change the boy's name from Trapassi to Metastasio, intending to raise his adopted son to be a jurist like himself. Therefore, he proposed that Tadzio study Latin and law. At the same time, he also cultivated his literary talents, displaying the young genius in small circles at home and in Rome. Metas Tadzio soon found himself in competition with the most famous improvisers of his time in Italy. However, his incessant study during the day and improvisation of poetry at night damaged Tadzio's health.
Gravina went on a business trip to Calabria, recommended Metas Tadzio among the cultural circles in Naples, and then placed him in the care of his relatives. The country air and the quiet southern seaside restored Metastaschio's health. Gravina suggested that he should no longer improvise, but reserve it for a noble purpose. When he completes his studies, he may enter the ranks of the greatest poets.
Metas promised his sponsor. At the age of 12 he translated the Iliad into octave syllabic verse, and two years later he composed The Tragedy of Seneca, an adaptation of Gian Giorgio Trissino's Italia liberata - Gravina's favorite epic poem. It was called Giustino and printed in 1713; forty-two years later Metastaschio told his publisher that he wished his rich juvenile study not to be published.
Caroprese died in 1714, and Gravina became his heir. Gravina also died in 1718, and Metas Tadzio inherited a property of 15,000 Scudi (ancient Italian silver coins). At a meeting of the Acadian Society, he recited an elegy for his patron, then settled down to enjoy his wealth. In the 18th century, Italian opera took the lead and became popular throughout Europe. At that time, there was a famous poet in Italy and a famous opera librettist named Pietro Metastasio (1698～1782). He wrote many opera librettos, about 30 This part was used by almost all opera composers in Europe at that time, and some were even used repeatedly and scored hundreds of times. The reason is that his works very clearly reflected the elegant taste that was popular at the time. This not only had an impact on the music of the time, but also coincided with the pursuit of music at the time. Therefore, through Metastaschi Oh, a standard Italian opera. In 1724 Metastaschio wrote the first "Dido Abandoned" for the famous opera singer Mariana Bulgarelli, which was a great success. This play tells the story of the Trojan hero Aeneas who lived in Carthage and was warmly received by Queen Dido. However, he rejected Dido's love, followed God's will, and resolutely fulfilled the mission instructed by the gods. Finally, Dido committed suicide in anger.
The play focuses on depicting the subtle and complex psychological activities of Dido and Aeneas, making this play not only have the touching power of a love tragedy, but also express the ideological theme of the conflict between responsibility and emotion.
Metastazio subsequently wrote "Catu in Utica" (1728), "Ezio" (1728), "Alexander in India" (1729), etc. "Catu in Utica" (1727-1728) is based on the history of ancient Rome. It describes the struggle between Cato, a senator loyal to the Roman Empire and Caesar, and creates a story of a man who values ??freedom and honor above life and fights against tyrants. and the heroic image of a dictator who would rather die than surrender.
He integrated the characteristics of classical tragedy into opera scripts, and tried to portray the character traits of the characters in the opera so that they would have the thoughts and feelings of modern people. "The Abandoned Dido" is based on Virgil's "Aeneid", which opposes the cruelty of the monarch and praises the virtues of loyalty, bravery and fulfillment of responsibilities.
Mestastazio wrote many opera librettos, about 30 of which were used by almost all opera composers in Europe at the time. Some were even used repeatedly and scored hundreds of times. . The reason is that his works very clearly reflected the elegant taste that was popular at that time. This not only had an impact on the music of that time, but also coincided with the pursuit of music at that time. From this, the standard Italian operatic format through Metastaschio was formed.
Mestastazio mainly studied classical culture and law and published poetry collections. He was appointed as a court poet by the Holy Roman Emperor. Metastaschio's interest in opera came from his acquaintance with the famous opera singer M. Bulgarelli. From then on, Metastaschio not only began to study music, but also engaged in writing opera scripts combining pastoral poetry and tragedy. He also wrote opera literary scripts for the royal family and local theaters. In the field of opera, he made great contributions and became famous in the literary world. Metastaschio settled in Vienna until his death in April 1782. The Viennese years were his most productive and mature. He cleverly integrated the elements of ancient Greek tragedy with the style of pastoral drama, drew on the themes of the classical dramas of P. Corneille and J. Racine, expressed the contradiction between rationality and sympathy, and praised the noble behavior of loyalty to sacred duties. In "Themistocles" (1736), through the deeds of Themistocles, the Greek hero who was exiled in Persia, he praised the patriotic spirit and the character of being unyielding in power, and being wealthy but not lustful.
"Chinese Hero" (1752) is based on the Chinese Yuan Dynasty opera "The Orphan of Zhao". It expresses exotic taste and became one of the earliest European adaptations of Chinese operas. It has been widely circulated in Italy and Europe. wide. "Ruggiero" (1771) is a chivalric fairy tale with a bizarre plot.