Angelo Anelli

Angelo Anelli wrote forty opera librettos, but it is unlikely that you will ever see a production of any of his works other than L’Italiana in Algeri. Born November 1, 1761, he was educated in the classics and was a professor of both Forensic Oratory and Judicial Procedure. He provided librettos for several of the leading opera composers of his day, including Paccini (not to be confused with Puccini) and Paer, though these men are now considered footnotes in music history. He was also known for his interest in Freemasonry. He died April 9, 1820.