Francesco Cavalli

L’Ormindo was written in 1644 by one of the most famous composers of the 17th century, Francesco Cavalli. A protégé of Monteverdi, scholars believe Cavalli wrote or edited a good portion of Monteverdi’s last two great stage works – Return of Ulysses and Coronation of Poppea.
 
Francesco Cavalli (1602-1676 was born at Crema. His real name was Pietro Francesco Caletti-Bruni, but he is better known as Cavalli, the name of his Venetian patron. Cavalli became a singer at St Mark's in Venice in 1616, made his way through various posts until in 1668 was appointed maestro di cappella. He is, however, chiefly remembered for his operas. He died in Venice at the age of 73.

Cavalli wrote thirty-three operas, twenty-seven of which are still in existence, beginning with Le Nozze di Teti e di Peleo in 1639. He established so great a reputation as an opera composer that he was summoned to Paris twice to produce operas (once for the marriage of the Sun-King Louis XIV - though the French audiences did not like his works).

Cavalli was the most influential composer in the genre of public opera in mid-17th century. Unlike Monteverdi's early operas, which were scored for larger court orchestras, Cavalli's operas make use of a small orchestra of strings and basso continuo to meet the limitations of public opera houses. Cavalli also introduced arias full of melody into his operas, and used recognizable characters in his libretti. As well as great musical invention, his operas have a strong sense of dramatic effect and humour.