Studies and early death
Bellini was born on 3 November 1801 and earned a scholarship to study at Naples' Real Collegio di Musica. He died in Puteaux, France, on 23 September 1835, aged 33.
Music
Vincenzo Bellini
A central figure of bel canto opera, Bellini was famed for long, graceful melodies and evocative musical settings.
Vincenzo Bellini was an Italian opera composer of the early Romantic era. Born into a musical family in Sicily, he studied at Naples' Real Collegio di Musica before achieving success in Milan, Venice and Paris. His best-known operas include Norma, I puritani and La sonnambula. His connection to the Como area centres on Villa Passalacqua, where he composed La sonnambula during a stay in 1831.
Worth knowing
Success in Italy and Paris
The success of Il pirata at La Scala in 1827 established Bellini's career. It was followed by operas including I Capuleti e i Montecchi, La sonnambula and Norma. His final opera, I puritani, premiered successfully in Paris in 1835.
Friendship with Francesco Florimo
While studying in Naples, Bellini became close friends with fellow student Francesco Florimo, who later became his first biographer.
La sonnambula at Villa Passalacqua
Bellini composed La sonnambula during his 1831 stay at Villa Passalacqua, creating a direct local connection to one of his most celebrated operas.
Addresses you can still visit
Every place in this city with a documented tie to this person.
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Villa Passalacqua
Bellini composed the opera La sonnambula during his 1831 stay at the villa.
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Villa Salterio Erker
Bellini stayed at the villa during his relationship with Giuditta Turina and worked on the opera La straniera in Moltrasio.
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