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Donald Macleod explores the relationship between Martines and the poet Metastasio, who encouraged her talents and introduced her into Vienna's musical life.

Marianna Martines lived and worked in Vienna alongside some of classical music’s greatest names. She was tutored by Haydn, played piano duets with Mozart, corresponded with Padre Martini and Farinelli, and was frequently invited to perform for the Imperial Court. For nearly 40 years, she was mentored by Metastasio, Europe’s most celebrated opera librettist. Martines became a significant personality in Viennese cultural circles, with her works regularly performed in the city and commissions and honours coming her way from across Europe. All this week, Donald Macleod is joined by Dr Jeremy Llewellyn to lift the veil on this long-neglected yet prolific and highly celebrated composer and discover the unique perspective her story provides on cultural life in Vienna during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

From the moment Marianna Martines was born, she enjoyed a privileged position in Vienna. Her father was a high-ranking official to the Papal Nuncio in the city and, upon his arrival in Vienna, was invited with his family to live with the famed opera librettist, Pietro Metastasio. The writer quickly spotted the musical talents of young Marianna and decided to take her under his wing.

Dixit Dominus (excerpt)
Salzburger Hofmusik
Wolfgang Brunner, director

Keyboard Concerto in E
Nicoleta Paraschivescu, harpsichord
La Floridiana

Joseph Haydn
Symphony No 1 in D
Academy of Ancient Music
Christopher Hogwood, conductor

Marianna Martines
Sonata in E for harpsichord
Barbara Harbach, harpsichord

Produced by Luke Whitlock, for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Wales