Calzabigi, Raniero de

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Calzabigi, Raniero de (b Leghorn, 1714; d Naples, 1795). It. writer of libs. for Gluck's Orfeo, Alceste, and Paride ed Elena and for operas by Salieri and Paisiello. Pubd. ed. of Metastasio's works (1755). Ran lottery in Paris in partnership with Casanova and under the protection of Mme de Pompadour. In 1784 wrote critically of Gluck's opera reforms, claiming much of the credit for himself.