Lodovico Giustini

Lodovico Maria Giustini was born into a family of musicians in Pistoia, Italy, on December 12, 1685 -- the same year as his illustrious contemporaries Bach, Handel and Domenico Scarlatti.

His father Francesco Giustini was the organist for the Congregazione dello Spirito Santo. On July 21, 1695, Lodovico was made a member of this Jesuit-affiliated group and succeeded his father in the post of organist on July 10, 1725. He held this position until his death on February 7, 1743. He also served as organist for the Jesuits and taught in their seminary, the Collegio dei Nobili. In 1724, one of his cantatas was performed there, and an oratorio in 1739. In 1726 he presented an oratorio entitled La Fuga di S. Teresia at Palazzo Melani, followed by a Pasticcio in 1727.

In 1728, a performance was given of his "Lamentations", which he had composed with G.M.C. Clari. Giustini was named organist of the Cathedral of Pistoia in 1734 and worked there until his death under another member of his family, the choir master Francesco Manfredini.

Over the years, he appeared as harpsichordist in many performances of his oratorios in his native city. His twelve Sonate da Cimbalo di Piano e Forte Dette Volgarmente di Martelletti, published in Florence in 1732, ensured his place in the history of music.