Vincenzo Bellini

Vincenzo Bellini was an Italian composer of the early 19th century whose specialty was writing bel canto operas. In all he wrote 9 operas including "La sonnambula," "Norma" and "I puritani di Scozia." Like Mozart, Bellini died very young; less than two months before his 34th birthday.

Music Education in the News: Andrew D. Hamingson is the new executive director of the Public Theatre.

This Day in Music History: 1975 - Composer Dmitry Shostakovich passed away in Moscow.