# Lorenzo Da Ponte

> Italian opera librettist, poet and Roman Catholic priest (1749–1838)

**Wikidata**: [Q268166](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q268166)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorenzo_Da_Ponte)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/lorenzo-da-ponte

## Summary
Lorenzo Da Ponte was an Italian opera librettist, poet, and Roman Catholic priest (1749–1838). He is best known for collaborating with composers such as Mozart, writing libretti for major operas like *Don Giovanni* and *Così fan tutte*, which remain foundational works in Western opera.

## Biography
- Born: 1749 (exact place unknown)
- Nationality: Italian
- Education: Affiliated with the Arcadian Academy in Rome
- Known for: Writing libretti for operas, including *Don Giovanni* and *Così fan tutte*
- Employer(s): Arcadian Academy, Columbia University (later affiliation)
- Field(s): Opera librettist, poet, translator, playwright

## Contributions
- Wrote the libretto for *Don Giovanni* (1787), collaborating with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
- Authored the libretto for *Così fan tutte* (1790), another key work with Mozart.
- Published poetry and translations, contributing to the Arcadian Academy’s literary output.
- Served as a Roman Catholic priest, combining religious and artistic pursuits.

## FAQs
- **What was Lorenzo Da Ponte’s primary profession?**
  He was an opera librettist, poet, and translator, known for writing libretti for major operas.

- **Which composers did Lorenzo Da Ponte collaborate with?**
  He worked with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on *Don Giovanni* and *Così fan tutte*.

- **Was Lorenzo Da Ponte a priest?**
  Yes, he was a Roman Catholic priest in addition to his literary and artistic work.

- **Where was Lorenzo Da Ponte educated?**
  He was affiliated with the Arcadian Academy in Rome.

- **What is Lorenzo Da Ponte most famous for?**
  He is most famous for his libretti, particularly *Don Giovanni* and *Così fan tutte*.

## Why They Matter
Lorenzo Da Ponte’s libretti, particularly those he co-wrote with Mozart, became cornerstones of Western opera. His works shaped the development of the opera form and influenced generations of composers and librettists. His collaboration with Mozart elevated the libretto from a secondary role to a critical component of opera, enriching the storytelling and emotional depth of these works.

## Notable For
- Co-wrote *Don Giovanni* (1787) with Mozart, a landmark opera in Western music.
- Authored *Così fan tutte* (1790), another Mozart collaboration that remains a staple of the operatic repertoire.
- Published poetry and translations, contributing to the Arcadian Academy’s literary legacy.
- Served as a Roman Catholic priest, blending religious and artistic pursuits.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Lorenzo Da Ponte was born in 1749, though his exact birthplace is not specified. He was educated at the Arcadian Academy in Rome, an influential literary institution founded in 1690. The academy provided him with a foundation in poetry and translation, which he later applied to his work in opera libretti.

### Career and Collaborations
Da Ponte’s career as a librettist began with his collaboration with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Together, they wrote *Don Giovanni* in 1787, a work that became one of the most famous operas in history. Their partnership continued with *Così fan tutte* (1790), another groundbreaking opera that explored themes of love and social satire. These libretti are still performed today, showcasing their enduring relevance.

### Literary and Religious Work
In addition to his opera work, Da Ponte was a poet and translator. He contributed to the Arcadian Academy’s literary output, publishing poetry and translating works from other languages. His religious duties as a Roman Catholic priest allowed him to balance his artistic pursuits with his spiritual obligations.

### Influence and Legacy
Da Ponte’s contributions to opera were significant, as his libretti elevated the role of the librettist in the creative process. His collaborations with Mozart demonstrated the importance of a strong narrative in opera, influencing future composers and librettists. His works remain essential to the operatic canon, ensuring his legacy as a key figure in the development of Western opera.

### Later Life and Affiliations
In his later years, Da Ponte was affiliated with Columbia University, though the specifics of his role there are not detailed. His death in 1838 marked the end of an era in opera librettism, but his works continued to shape the genre for decades to come.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Da Ponte, Lorenz (BLKÖ)
3. Archivio Storico Ricordi
4. [Česká divadelní encyklopedie](http://encyklopedie.idu.cz/index.php/Da_Ponte,_Lorenzo)
5. BnF authorities
6. BeWeB
7. [The Fine Art Archive](https://cs.isabart.org/person/88194)
8. Library of the World's Best Literature
9. MusicBrainz
10. Virtual International Authority File
11. CiNii Research
12. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
13. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
14. SNAC
15. Find a Grave
16. International Music Score Library Project
17. filmportal.de
18. Proleksis Encyclopedia
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. [Source](https://theaterencyclopedie.nl/id/01944072-b009-738c-befc-31eb8cd0ac28)
21. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Da%20Ponte%20Lorenzo)
22. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index3.html)
23. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb118983814)
24. CONOR.SI
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26. Enciclopedia Treccani
27. The Movie Database
28. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/31fhhd0m2t4c367)
29. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
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32. Media Library for Dance and Theatre