Antonio Caldara

Italian composer Antonio Caldara (1670-1736) was born in Venice, but made his reputation in Rome and Vienna. Starting out as a choirboy in St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice, by 1699 Caldara was serving the Duke of Mantua, leaving in 1707. Settling in Rome, Caldara succeeded George Frederick Handel at the court of Prince Ruspoli, composing his best remembered operas, oratorios, and solo cantatas during this time. Caldara left for Vienna in 1711, but was not able to obtain a position there until 1715; afterward he worked in the Viennese court, producing an enormous amount of music and probably working himself to death.