Claudio Monteverdi (composer)

Claudio Monteverdi was an influential Italian composer of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods, active in the early 17th century. He transformed Western music by developing new expressive techniques in both vocal and instrumental works, notably in his pioneering use of harmony and dynamics. Monteverdi's compositions, especially his madrigals and the early operas like "L'Orfeo," are celebrated for their emotional depth and innovation, marking a transition toward more dramatic and realistic musical storytelling. His work laid the foundation for the Baroque style and significantly influenced the future of Western music.