A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Cocchi, Gioacchino

COCCHI, Gioacchino born at Padua 1720, died in Venice 1804; dramatic composer; produced his first operas, 'Adelaide' and 'Bajasette,' in Rome (1743 and 1746). In 1750 he was at Naples, and in 1753 was appointed Chapel-master of the Conservatorio degli Incurabili at Venice. Here he wrote 'Il Pazzo glorioso.' In 1757 he came to London as composer to the Opera. During a sixteen years' residence in this country he composed 11 operas, as well as taking part in several pasticcios. For list see Fétis. In 1773 he returned to Venice. His reputation was considerable for a time both in Italy and in this country. Burney praises 'his good taste and knowledge in counterpoint.' but says he 'lacked invention, and hardly produced a new passage after his first year in England.' He realised a large sum by teaching.

[ M. C. C. ]