Francesco Pasquale Ricci

Francesco Pasquale Ricci ( born May 17, 1732 in Como, † November 7, 1817 in Loveno di Menaggio ) was an Italian composer.

After studying music in Milan, he became a member of the Franciscan Order and was entitled Abbate. Although he was appointed maestro di cappella of the cathedral of Como in 1759, he could do in the years to frequent journeys that took him to Paris, London and The Hague. Here he joined 1766-1780 in concerts and published symphonies, string trios, quartets and piano sonatas, which were also published in Amsterdam, Paris and London. 1788 appeared in Paris a Méthode pour le forte -piano, which was tailored to a conservatory in Naples. In this piano method the name of Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782), suggesting a relationship between the two composers appear. It is possible that the two musicians met in Milan and have continued their friendship in London. Later, Ricci returned to his native city of Como back, took up his position as Kapellmeister at the Cathedral again and she shall be occupied until the late 18th century. His instrumental works were widespread in the second half of the 18th century and seems to have become known even in the USA. Leopold Mozart called Ricci in a letter of 11 February 1778 Half composers and greasers, but says nothing about its popularity.

• Italian composer
• Born in 1732
• Died in 1817
• Man