Felice Romani (January 31, 1788 — January 28, 1865) was an Italian poet and scholar of literature and mythology who wrote many librettos for the opera composers Donizetti and Bellini. Romani was considered the finest Italian librettist between Metastasio and Boito.
He later joined the faculty of the University of Genoa and, while there, translated French literature. With a colleague, he prepared a six-volume dictionary of mythology and antiquitie...
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Felice Romani (January 31, 1788 — January 28, 1865) was an Italian poet and scholar of literature and mythology who wrote many librettos for the opera composers Donizetti and Bellini. Romani was considered the finest Italian librettist between Metastasio and Boito.
He later joined the faculty of the University of Genoa and, while there, translated French literature. With a colleague, he prepared a six-volume dictionary of mythology and antiquities, including the Celtic history in Italy. Romani's expertise in French and antiquity is reflected in the libretti he wrote; the majority are based on French literature and many, such as Norma, use mythological sources.
Romani travelled widely in Spain, Greece, Germany, and France. In 1814, he established himself in Milan, where he became friends with important figures in the literary and musical world. He turned down the post of court poet in Vienna, and began instead a career as opera librettist. He wrote two librettos for the composer Johann...
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