Apostolo Zeno

Apostolo Zeno
File:Azeno.jpg Apostolo Zeno
Born	(1668-12-11)December 11, 1668 Venice, Republic of Venice
Died	11 November 1750(1750-11-11) (aged 81) Venice, Republic of Venice
Burial place	Gesuati
Nationality	Italian
Education	Collegio di Castello
Occupation	Poet, librettist, journalist, numismatist and man of letters
Known for	Reform of melodrama
Spouse(s)	Ludovica Mondonovo
Parent(s)	Pietro Zeno and Caterina Zeno (née Sevastò)

Apostolo Zeno Apostolo Zeno (1668 in Venice – 11 November 1750 in Venice) was a Venetian poet, librettist, journalist, and man of letters.

In 1691, he co-founded the Accademia degli Animosi, a literary society in Venice. In 1695, he wrote his first libretto, Gli inganni felici. It was a huge success and made way for many more to follow. From 1705 on, he professionally partnered with Pietro Pariati: Pariati composed the libretti while Zeno concentrated on the threatrical scenes. In total, Zeno wrote more than 66 dramas and oratorios, 15 in collaboration with Pariati.

The Zeno family was an ancient noble familiy of Venice. Expelled from Venice to Candia (Crete) in the 13th century in order to maintain order and suppress any rebellious subjects, they were only able to return after the assault on the isle by the Ottoman empire.

Zeno's libretti often centered on on historical and mythological themes.

The Treccani dictionary describes him as "A decent man of letters but not a true poet." Considering that Zeno was "Cesarian poet" in his time, it is fair to say that judgements may differ. However, it is clear that Zeno, at least when it comes to operatic libretti, is overshadowed today by Pietro Metastasio.

Apostolo Zeno in Philippe Jaroussky's discography, filmography and performance history

Concert programs

Year	from Work	Composer	Concert program
2021	La morte d'Abel	Antonio Caldara	Stabat mater – Caldara & Pergolesi

See the respective program page for a list of possible recordings.

Complete list of musical pieces using Apostolo Zeno's libretti

This list only lists Pietro Metastasio's contribution to Philippe Jaroussky's recordings.

Year	Aria	from Work	Composer	Concert program	original first performance
2021	Quel buon pastor son io	La morte d'Abel	Antonio Caldara	Stabat mater – Caldara & Pergolesi	1732

External links

"Pietro Metastasio". Wikipedia. Retrieved September 16, 2021.