Born:
November 3, 1801
Birthplace:
Catania, Sicily
Died:
September 23, 1835 in Puteaux (near Paris) due to gastroenteritis
Also known as:
He was an Italian opera composer of the early 19th century. He, along with Gaetano Donizetti and Gioachino Rossini, influenced other composers who followed them, most notably Giuseppe Verdi.
Type of Compositions:
His specialty was writing bel canto operas, Italian for "beautiful singing." Bellini's works were written for the great operatic singers of his time.
Influence:
Bellini's father and grandfather were both musicians. He entered Naples' Royal Music Conservatory at the age of 18 where his first opera, Bianca e Fernando, was performed. His early work led to other operatic commissions for La Scala in Milan and the Théâtre-Italien in Paris.
Notable Works:
His operas include "Il pirata," "I Capuleti ed i Montecchi," "Norma," "Beatrice de Tendo," "La sonnambula" and "I puritani di Scozia."
Interesting Facts:
Bellini collaborated with the librettist Felice Romani on six of his nine operas. These include "Il pirata," "I Capuleti ed i Montecchi" (The Capulets and the Montagues), "La sonnambula" (The Sleepwalker), "Norma" and "Beatrice de Tendo."
Related Video:
Listen to Vincenzo Bellini's "Norma" (a symphony from the opera) courtesy of YouTube.