Pasquale Cafaro

Pasquale Cafaro, also known by the nicknames Caffariello or Caffaro, was born on 8 February 1715 in San Pietro in Galatina, in the Kingdom of Naples, though some sources give the year as 1716. Although his parents initially intended for him to study law, his encounter in Naples with Marquis Odierna changed the course of his life. Recognizing the young man's musical talent, the marquis helped him gain access to a formal musical education that would shape his future career.

On 23 December 1735, Cafaro entered the Pietà dei Turchini Conservatory, where he studied under prominent teachers such as Niccolò Fago, Leonardo Leo, and Lorenzo Fago. His talent quickly became evident, and while still completing his studies, he began teaching harmony and counterpoint. By 1744, he had finished his musical education and continued as an instructor at his alma mater, already developing a reputation as a skilled pedagogue. He remained in Naples for the rest of his life, teaching at the conservatory for many years.

Cafaro made his debut as a composer in 1745 with the oratorio "The Repentance of the Prodigal Son". His first opera, "Ipermestra", set to a libretto by Pietro Metastasio, premiered on 26 December 1751 at the San Carlo Theatre in Naples. Among his other operatic works were "Disfatta di Dario" and "L'Olimpiade", which further established his reputation within the genre of opera seria.

On 11 July 1759, he was appointed second maestro at the chapel of the Pietà dei Turchini Conservatory, succeeding Girolamo Abos. He held this position until 1781 and later, beginning in 1785, served as extraordinary second maestro in the same institution. His growing prestige was recognized by King Ferdinand IV, who appointed him an external maestro of the royal chapel on 25 August 1768. Around this time, Cafaro also became the singing and harpsichord teacher to Queen Maria Carolina.

Following the death of Giuseppe de Majo, Cafaro was appointed maestro di cappella of the royal chapel in Naples on 21 December 1771. From that point onward, he abandoned theatrical composition and dedicated himself entirely to church and chamber music. His sacred output was extensive and included not only oratorios but also motets and masses. Despite stepping away from the stage, he was appointed consultant to the royal theatres, succeeding Johann Christian Bach, and even took charge of the Royal Theatre of San Carlo. His duties as a court composer required him to reside frequently at royal residences in Portici, Caserta, Persano, and other locations, limiting his ability to continue teaching at the conservatory.

Among Cafaro’s students were several notable musicians, including Giacomo Tritto, who effectively replaced him at the conservatory from 1785, as well as Francesco Bianchi, Angelo Tarchi, and Honoré François Langlé. Through his pedagogy, Cafaro contributed significantly to the next generation of Neapolitan composers.

Pasquale Cafaro died in Naples on 23 October (or, according to another source, 25 October) 1787, at the age of 71 or 72. He was buried in the Montesano Church, in the Chapel of Saint Cecilia, near the tomb of Alessandro Scarlatti. His body of work includes seven opere serie, six oratorios, ten cantatas, and numerous sacred and chamber compositions, securing his place as an important figure of the Neapolitan musical tradition.

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