Francesco Manelli

Full biography Francesco Manelli

Francesco Manelli was an Italian Baroque composer born in Tivoli, Italy on September 13, 1594. He was known both for his vocal and instrumental music, and composed several works for the stage, including operas and oratorios. Manelli worked with libretto writers such as Giulio Strozzi and Benedetto Ferrari to create music for their texts and had his own works set to libretti by other writers as well.

Manelli's music was performed in several Italian cities, including Venice, Rome, and Turin. He composed for the Teatro Santi Giovanni e Paolo in Venice and the Teatro delle Vergini in Rome, and his music was performed by some of the most famous singers of the time, including Francesco Rasi.

Although not as well-known as some of his contemporaries, such as Claudio Monteverdi, Manelli was an important figure in the development of Baroque opera and instrumental music. His compositions were characterized by their expressive melodies and use of chromatic harmonies, which anticipated some of the developments of later Baroque music.

Manelli died on November 22, 1667 in his hometown of Tivoli, Italy. His music remains an important contribution to the rich history of Italian Baroque music.