Giovanni Faustini

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Giovanni Faustini (1615–19 December 1651) was a Venetian librettist and opera impresario in 17th‑century Italy. He is best known for his collaborations with the composer Francesco Cavalli. Born in Venice, he ran major Venetian theatres such as the Teatro San Cassiano, Teatro San Moisè, and Teatro Sant’Apollinare, and he wrote 14 libretti, mostly for Cavalli, with a few used by other composers.

When he died, some of his libretti were unfinished and were completed by his brother Marco Faustini, who continued his career as impresario at several theatres. Many of Faustini’s plots do not rely on myth or classical history; instead they center on two pairs of aristocratic lovers from exotic nations who undergo long separations and eventual reconciliation, with plenty of clownish servants for humor. He also borrowed devices from Roman comedy and pastoral plays, such as sleeping potions and letters delivered to the wrong person. Faustini’s strong commitment to libretti and his work with Cavalli played a vital role in the development of Venetian opera.