Born:
November 3, 1801
Birthplace:
Catania, Sicily
Died:
September 23, 1835 in Puteaux (near Paris) due to gastroenteritis
Also known as:
Italian opera composer of the early 19th century, who, 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 Naple's 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," "La sonnambula," "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.
