Alessandro Stradella

The Profile

Italian Baroque composer, active in the 17th century, author of oratorios, cantatas and instrumental music; died violently in Genoa.

Stradella is the subject of strong biographical myth and anecdotes (notably assassins moved by his music). His output includes oratorios such as 'Ester' and 'San Giovanni Battista', cantatas and instrumental works.

A single enthusiastic DeBaser review by 'lector' praises Stradella's Baroque music and recounts the famous anecdote of assassins moved by an oratorio. The review emphasizes the mythic dimension of Stradella's life and recommends listening to 'Ester'. It frames Stradella as a brilliant but ill-documented 17th-century composer.