Giulio Caccini
(1551 - 1618)Italian singer, composer, and lutenist. Taken to Florence by Cosimo I de' Medici, c. 1565. Sang in 1579 at festivities for wedding of Francesco de' Medici and Bianca Cappello. One of members of Count Giovanni de Bardi's Camerata, some of his music was included in Peri's Euridice to Rinuccini's libretto which he then also set in rivalry in 1600. From 1595 to 1600 worked in Genoa, returning to Florence 1600 on receiving commission to compose opera Il rapimento di Cefalo, performed in Florence 1600 for wedding of Maria de' Medici to Henri IV of France. Canzonets and madigrals published in Le nuove musiche 1602, marking change to monodic style. Visited Paris 1603 and 1604-1605 at invitation of Maria de' Medici. His daughter Francesca was a celebrated singer. Was also known as a magnificent gardener. Read more on Wikipedia.