Alessandro Stradella

Alessandro Stradella, born into a noble Italian family in 1639, was a composer of the middle Baroque period whose innovative spirit and vibrant personality left an indelible mark on the musical landscape of his time. With over three hundred works to his name, Stradella's prolific output spanned a variety of genres, including oratorios, cantatas, and operas, showcasing his versatility and genius. His collaborations with distinguished poets and his dazzling career as a freelance composer made him one of the most exciting figures of the 17th century. Despite his successes, Stradella's life was marked by drama and intrigue, including surviving two attempts on his life before ultimately meeting a tragic end in Genoa at the age of forty-two. His legacy endures, captivating audiences with his rich, emotive compositions that continue to resonate through the centuries.