When music lovers think of the origins of opera, names like Claudio Monteverdi often come to mind. However, before opera became dominated by male composers, a remarkable woman was composing groundbreaking works in the genre. Francesca Caccini, born in Florence

Professionally, Giulio Caccini (1551-1618) was known as an accomplished singer and the inventor of a new musical style that had the power to “move the affections of the soul.” Privately, he seemed to have been a difficult and proud man,

“Music is text and rhythm, and sound last of all” 400 years ago, the Italian composer, singer, teacher and instrumentalist Giulio Romano Caccini (1551-1618) passed away in Florence. He wasn’t a particularly pleasant individual, and frequently guided by envy and