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Michele Stratico was an Italian composer of the classical era, born on January 1, 1730, in Venice, Italy. He was the son of a musician and grew up in a musical family. His father, Giovanni Battista Stratico, was a violinist and composer, and his mother, Maria Caterina, was a singer. Michele showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin and composition at a young age. Stratico's musical education was extensive, and he studied with some of the most prominent musicians of his time. He studied composition with Giovanni Battista Martini in Bologna and counterpoint with Padre Martini. He also studied the violin with Giuseppe Tartini in Padua and later with Antonio Vivaldi in Venice. Stratico's early compositions were influenced by the music of Vivaldi, and he wrote several concertos for the violin and other instruments. He also wrote chamber music, including string quartets and sonatas. In 1755, he was appointed as the maestro di cappella at the Basilica di San Marco in Venice, a prestigious position that he held for over 30 years. During his time at San Marco, Stratico composed a significant amount of sacred music, including masses, motets, and oratorios. His music was highly regarded, and he was considered one of the leading composers of sacred music in Venice. His works were performed in churches throughout Italy and Europe, and he received commissions from several prominent patrons, including the Duke of Parma and the Archbishop of Salzburg. One of Stratico's most significant works is his oratorio, "La Passione di Gesù Cristo," which was first performed in 1767. The oratorio tells the story of the Passion of Christ and features arias, choruses, and recitatives. The work was well-received and was performed in several cities throughout Italy. Stratico's music is characterized by its melodic beauty and expressive harmonies. His works are notable for their use of counterpoint and their intricate polyphonic textures. He was also known for his skillful use of orchestration, and his works often feature virtuosic solos for the violin and other instruments. In addition to his work as a composer, Stratico was also a respected music teacher. He taught composition and counterpoint at the Ospedale della Pietà in Venice, where he had studied as a child. His students included several notable composers, including Antonio Salieri and Luigi Boccherini. Stratico continued to compose music throughout his life, and his later works show a greater influence from the classical style that was emerging in the late 18th century. He died on December 10, 1792, in Venice, Italy, at the age of 62. Today, Stratico's music is still performed and recorded, and he is recognized as one of the leading composers of the classical era. His works are notable for their beauty and expressiveness, and they continue to inspire musicians and audiences alike.

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