Francesco Cavalli

Francesco Cavalli was an influential Italian composer and organist born on February 14, 1602, in Crema, Italy. He is recognized as one of the foremost composers of opera during the 17th century, alongside Claudio Monteverdi. Cavalli's operas, characterized by their dramatic depth and lyrical beauty, include works such as 'Giasone' and 'La Calisto.' His contributions to the development of opera as a genre helped shape its future, and his music remains celebrated in the operatic canon.