Pietro Alessandro GUGLIELMI. — Master composer, b. at Massa on 10 Dec. 1728, d. at Rome on 20 Nov. 1804. Having made his first musical studies with his father, he perfected himself at the Conservatory of S. Maria di Loreto in Naples.
In 1757 he made his debut with a theatrical work, followed by many others which brought him wide renown and were performed in various Italian cities with great success. Having gone abroad, he served as maestro di cappella at the court of Dresden, then at Brunswick and in 1772 in London. In 1777 he returned to Naples, but there he encountered strong opposition from Cimarosa and Paisiello. In 1793 Pius VII called him to Rome as maestro di cappella at St Peter’s, a post he held until his death. Besides theatrical works, he wrote many oratorios, psalms, motets, masses and various symphonic music. G.’s compositions are marked by simple, natural and pleasing melody and by pure harmony, especially in ensemble concertos.