MONTEVERDI, CLAUDIO ( v. Cremona, Italy, ? May 1567; d. Venice, 29 Nov, 1643 )
An Italian composer whose first opera La favola d'Orfeo, was based on the ever-popular Orpheus story. Planted firmly in the vocal and instrumental traditions of its time, it also incorporates the new dramatic recitative, proposed by the Camerata.
A great deal of Monteverdi's work has been lost, much of it in local wars during his lifetime. That loss and a fearful outbreak of plague may have influenced his decision to enter the priesthood, in 1632.
His interest in opera was reawakened in 1637 by the opening of the San Cassiano, the first public opera house. The rest of his life was mainly taken up with a series of works for the operatic stage.
He inaugurated the bel canto and buffo styles, with recitativo secco. He was also a master of dramatic writing, emotional truthfulness and characterisation.
