Autor: Benigno Zerafa (1726-1804)
Obra: Nisi Dominus (1764)
Intèrprets: Lаudаte Pueri Choir; Orchestrаl Ensemble
Pintura: Maltese School, 18th Century - Flagship of Emmanuel de Rohan de Polduc, Grandmaster of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
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Benigno [Beninju, Beninn] Zerafa
(Rabat, 25 August 1726 - Valletta, 20 March 1804)
Maltese composer. As a boy soprano in the Mdina Cathedral cappella, he received his early instruction from its maestro, Pietro Gristi (1696-1738). On 8 July 1738, with financial help from the cathedral chapter, he became a student at the Conservatorio dei Poveri di Gesù Cristo, Naples, under Francesco Feo, Alfonso Caggi and Girolamo Abos. He returned to Malta in 1744 and on 22 August, when not yet 18 years old, was appointed maestro di cappella at the cathedral. His irascible temper was the probable cause of an incident which led to his dismissal in 1751. A suitable replacement not being found, he was reinstated on 15 April 1753 with