The Italian composer Cavalli was possibly the most important composer
of Italian opera in the third quarter of the 17th century. Recent
revivals of his work in the theatre have served to bring his name
before a more general public. He became a choir-boy at St. Mark's
in Venice in 1616 and enjoyed a subsequent close working relationship
with Monteverdi, maestro di musica of the basilica. He wrote music
for the theatre and the church.
Operas
Cavalli wrote over 40 operas including a version of the legend of Medea, Giasone, and the operas Egisto and Serse, among a series of works chiefly relying on ancient Greek or Roman legend or history, some of which have enjoyed successful modern revival.