Porpora: The Forgotten Genius of Baroque Music

Nicola Antonio Porporacomposer, maestro, and one of the most influential yet overlooked figures of the Baroque era. A contemporary of Handel and Vivaldi, Porpora's dazzling operas and pioneering vocal techniques shaped generations of musicians, including the legendary castrato Farinelli and the great Joseph Haydn. From his rise in the vibrant musical scene of Naples to his battles for recognition in London and Vienna, Porpora: The Forgotten Genius of Baroque Music uncovers the life and work of this extraordinary composer. Through rich historical detail and musical analysis, this book explores Porpora's contributions to the Neapolitan school, his rivalry with Handel, and his impact on the evolution of opera and vocal training. For lovers of Baroque music and history alike, this is the definitive account of a composer whose melodies still echo through timewaiting to be rediscovered.

Readers will gain a deeper appreciation of Nicola Porpora's life and legacy, understanding his profound influence on opera, vocal training, and the evolution of 18th-century music.