Michelangelo Falvetti

Baroque-era Italian composer and priest

Michelangelo Falvetti (1642–1692) was a Baroque composer born in Melicuccà, Italy. He is not widely known today, and much of his life and works have only been rediscovered in recent times. Falvetti became a maestro di cappella at the Cathedral of Messina in Sicily, where he composed a significant portion of his music. His compositions include sacred music such as oratorios and masses. Two of his notable works that have gained attention in modern times are "Il Diluvio Universale" (The Universal Flood), an oratorio that depicts the biblical story of Noah's Ark, and "Nabucco," which is short for "Nabucodonosor" (Nebuchadnezzar), another oratorio that focuses on the biblical tale of the Babylonian king. These works are characterized by their dramatic expression and the use of rich choral and orchestral textures, reflecting the Baroque era's emphasis on emotional depth and grandeur. Despite his contributions to the music of the 17th century, Falvetti remained relatively obscure until these works were revived and recorded in the 21st century, bringing some recognition to his artistic legacy.