A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Cafaro, Pasquale

CAFARO, Pasquale, otherwise CAFFARO, and also known by his name of endearment CAFFARELLI, was born at Naples in 1708 [App. p.574 Feb. 8, 1706]. He was destined by his parents for a scientific career, but his bent towards music showed itself too strongly for contradiction, and he was entered at the Conservatorio della Pieta, at that time under the direction of Leonardo Leo. On the termination of his studies he became Maestro at the Chapel Royal of Naples, and in time Director of the Conservatorio as well. He died in 1787 [App. p.574 Oct. 23]. Grace, purity of style, and poverty of invention were the characteristics of his work. The following are among his best known productions:—Oratorio per l'Invenzione della Croce; Naples 1747. Ipermnestra; Naples 1751. La Disfatta di Dario; 1756. Antigono; 1754. L'Incendia di Troia; Naples 1757. Cantata a tre voci per festeggiare il giorno natalizio di Sua Maestà; Naples 1764. Arianna e Teseo; 1766. Cantata a tre voci, etc., etc.; Naples 1766. Il Cresco à Turin; 1768. Giustizia placata; 1769. Cantata a più voci per la Translazione di sangue di S. Januario; Naples 1769. L'Olimpiade; Naples 1769. Antigono, reset to fresh music; 1770. Betulia liberata. Il Figluolo prodigo ravveduto. Oratorio on S. Antonio of Padua. Il Trionfo di Davidde, Oratorio. In addition to these there are in existence by Cafaro many pieces of church music, consisting of masses, psalms, motets, etc., of acknowledged merit. An 'Amen' for 5 voices by him is included in Novello's 'Fitzwilliam Music.'

[ E. H. P. ]