Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848) was an Italian composer and one of the central figures of bel canto opera. Born in Bergamo, he emerged between Rossini and Verdi as one of the most prolific and dramatically flexible opera composers of the nineteenth century.

His catalogue includes more than sixty operas, among them Lucia di Lammermoor, L’elisir d’amore, Don Pasquale, La favorita and the so-called Tudor queens operas. He also wrote sacred music, chamber works and songs.

Donizetti’s music combines vocal brilliance with theatrical momentum. He could write comedy with quicksilver timing, tragedy with dark pressure, and lyrical scenes that give singers both beauty and danger to hold in the same breath.

His reputation has grown as performers and listeners have rediscovered the full range behind the famous titles. Donizetti was not merely a supplier of bel canto fireworks, but a born man of the theatre.