Azzolino Bernardino della Ciaja explained

To be distinguished from an earlier Sienese composer Alessandro Della Ciaia (c. 1605 - c. 1670)

Azzolino Bernardino della Ciaja (21 May 167115 January 1755) was an Italian organist, harpsichordist, composer and organ builder.

Life

Born in Siena, into a rich family, he was a member of the Pisan Cavalieri di S Stefano order. He lived in Pisa from 1703 and 1713, but kept strong connections with Florence. In 1713 he moved to Rome where he stayed till 1730. He moved then back to Pisa where he died.

Expert in organ building, he worked on the organ of Santo Stefano dei Cavalieri, a large 5- manual and more than 60 stop organ.

Very important are the Six Sonatas for Harpsichord published in Rome in 1727.

Works

Vocal works

• Cantate da camera, op. 2 (Lucca, 1701)
• Cantate da camera op. 3 (Bologna, 1702), lost
• De suoi tormenti in seno (Pisa, 1704)
• Chi non sa morire (cantata)
• Bella imago (cantata)
• Lungi dal caro bene (cantata), Pisa, 1709

Sacred works

• Salmi concertati, op. 1 (Bologna, 1700)
• Mass (Ky, Gl, Cr), 4 voices, 1696
• Mass, 4–5vv, 1739
• Mass (Ky, Gl, Cr), 4vv, nd
• I trionfi di Giosuè (pasticcio), Florence 1703, lost

Instrumental works

• Sonate per cembalo con alcuni saggi ed altri contrapunti di largo e grave stile ecclesiastico per grandi organi, op. 4 (Rome, 1727?)

Sources

• Italian Wikipedia page
• Carolyn Gianturco's article in New Grove Dictionary of Music

Discography

Opera omnia for keyboard. Harpsichordist: Mara Fanelli - Organist: Olimpio Medori, Romani-Agati-Tronci organ with three keyboards and double pedals from Gavinana (Pistoia) - Tenore: Paolo Fanciullacci (3 CD, Tactus, 2016)