Claudio Monteverdi

Italian Baroque Composer and Pioneer of Opera

Claudio Monteverdi (1567–1643) was a revolutionary figure in the history of music, whose work marked the transition from the Renaissance style of music to that of the Baroque period. He was an Italian composer, string player, choirmaster, and priest who is best remembered for his significant contributions to the development of opera and for his advancements in the composition of madrigals. Monteverdi's career began as a court musician in Mantua, where he composed his first operas, including "L'Orfeo" (1607), which is one of the earliest works recognized as an opera today. "L'Orfeo" is often lauded for its dramatic expression and orchestration, setting a new standard for the art form.