Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Italy

Birth

:

February 14, 1602 in Cremona, Italy

Death

:

January 14, 1676 in Venice, Italy

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

Francesco Cavalli was a prominent Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his operas and sacred music. He was born on February 14, 1602, in Crema, a town in Lombardy, Italy. His birth name was Pietro Francesco Caletti-Bruni, but he later adopted the name Cavalli, which means "horses" in Italian, as a reference to his father's occupation as a horse trainer. Cavalli's musical education began at a young age, as he was a choirboy at the Cathedral of Crema. He later studied with the renowned composer Claudio Monteverdi in Venice, where he became a singer and composer for the Basilica di San Marco. In 1639, he was appointed as the maestro di cappella at the Basilica, a position he held until his death. Cavalli's early works were primarily sacred music, including masses, motets, and psalms. However, he is best known for his operas, which were hugely popular in Venice during the 17th century. His first opera, "Le nozze di Teti e di Peleo," was performed in 1639, and he went on to compose over 40 operas throughout his career. One of Cavalli's most famous operas is "La Calisto," which premiered in 1651. The opera tells the story of the nymph Calisto, who is seduced by Jupiter and transformed into a bear by his jealous wife, Juno. The opera was a huge success and was performed throughout Europe, cementing Cavalli's reputation as a leading composer of his time. Another notable opera by Cavalli is "Giasone," which premiered in 1649. The opera tells the story of the Greek hero Jason and his quest for the Golden Fleece. The opera was a groundbreaking work, featuring complex vocal ensembles and arias, and was a major influence on the development of opera in the Baroque era. Cavalli's operas were known for their richly expressive music, which combined elements of Italian and French styles. His music was characterized by its use of recitative, a style of singing that imitates speech, and aria, a more melodic and expressive form of singing. He also incorporated elements of dance and instrumental music into his operas, creating a rich and varied musical experience. In addition to his operas, Cavalli also composed a number of sacred works, including masses, motets, and psalms. His sacred music was highly regarded during his lifetime and was performed in churches throughout Italy. Cavalli died on January 14, 1676, in Venice, at the age of 73. His legacy as a composer of opera and sacred music has endured to this day, and his works continue to be performed and recorded by musicians around the world. His influence on the development of opera in the Baroque era cannot be overstated, and his music remains a testament to the power and beauty of classical music.

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