Francesco Cavalli Italian composer Date of Birth: 14.02.1602 Country: Italy

1. Biography of Francesco Cavalli
2. Early Career and Operatic Success
3. Mid-Career Success and Legacy
4. Later Years and Death

Biography of Francesco Cavalli

Francesco Cavalli, whose real name was Pietro Francesco Caletti-Bruni, was an Italian composer born in 1602 in the town of Crema, Lombardy. He came from a musical family, with his father being a kapellmeister and organist, and young Francesco singing in the church choir from a young age. In 1616, he went to Venice to receive his musical education and took on the name of his wealthy benefactor, Federico Cavalli, who convinced Francesco's parents to let him pursue his studies. In 1617, the talented young Cavalli, still a soprano at the time, was accepted into the choir of St Mark's Cathedral in Venice, where he later sang as a tenor. Cavalli remained associated with this cathedral for his entire life.

Early Career and Operatic Success

Cavalli's first musical work as a composer was published in 1625, a collection of hymns. In 1639, he became the official second organist of St Mark's Cathedral, and in the same year, his first opera titled "Le nozze di Teti e di Peleo" (The Wedding of Teti and Peleo) was released. In 1630, Francesco married a wealthy widow, which provided him with financial freedom and allowed him to pursue his creative endeavors. He wrote prolifically and experimented with different productions. Following the success of his first opera, which premiered at the Teatro San Cassiano in Venice, Cavalli continued to write operas. "Gli Amori di Apollo e di Dafne" (The Loves of Apollo and Daphne) was released in 1640, followed by "La Didone" in 1641, which brought Cavalli great success and immense fame.

Mid-Career Success and Legacy

By the mid-17th century, Cavalli's success had spread beyond Venice. He gained further acclaim with operas such as "L'Egisto" (1643) and "Il Giasone" (Jason), with the latter considered the most popular opera of the 17th century. In the 1650s, Cavalli's operas were enjoyed by audiences in Naples, Milan, and Florence. During this period, he composed "La Calisto" (1652) and "Il Xerse" (Xerxes). Cavalli's musical talent was not limited to opera; he also composed sacred music, including psalms, cantatas, and hymns, which were performed at St Mark's Cathedral. The majority of his operas were staged at the Teatro San Cassiano.

Later Years and Death

From 1660 to 1662, Cavalli spent time in Paris, where he composed the opera "Ercole amante" (Hercules in Love) on commission for the French court. It premiered at the new Tuileries palace theater. In 1665, Cavalli became the first organist of St Mark's Cathedral, and in 1668, he was appointed as the chapel master. During this period, he worked less on operas, and six of his final operas remained unfinished. Francesco Cavalli passed away on January 14, 1676, in Venice at the age of 73. His funeral featured a Requiem that he had composed himself. Cavalli's creative legacy, which made a significant contribution to the development of Italian opera in the 17th century, includes 41 operas.