Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835)
Like so many Italian opera composers, he's remembered
for his gift of melody. More reserved
in expressive range than Donizetti,
Bellini was exceedingly adept at psychological characterization.
His sentimental melodies express the Romantic ideal. All
of his operas were based on serious subjects. The more iimportant
works are "Norma," "La
sonnambula" (The Sleepwalker), and "I Puritani"
(The Puritans).