Alessandro Stradella

The Profile

Italian Baroque composer known for operas, oratorios, cantatas, and instrumental sinfonias. Active in Rome, Venice, Turin, and Genoa; he was murdered in Genoa in 1682. His San Giovanni Battista and La Susanna are landmarks of 17th‑century sacred drama.

Italian Baroque composer; prolific in cantatas and oratorios; active in major Italian centers in the late 17th century; murdered in Genoa in 1682; associated with early developments that prefigure the concerto grosso.

A lyrical, story-driven review celebrates Stradella’s Ester, framing the composer’s turbulent legend against the transformative power of Baroque music. It champions listening over gossip, urging readers to embrace the music’s modern bite and sweetness. The piece nods to Christina of Sweden, assassins swayed by an oratorio, and how myth has overshadowed the work.