GIOVANNI PACINI  

A rival of Bellini and Donizetti, Pacini outlived them both, to be described by Rossini as the composer with the most genius in Italy. Principally a composer of opera, he also wrote cantatas, sacred music and other vocal works, as well as a smaller number of orchestral and chamber compositions.

Operas

Between 1813 and 1867 Pacini wrote a large number of operas. He won particular success in 1840 with his opera Saffo (‘Sappho’), based on the life and death of the ancient Greek poetess.