Claudio Monteverdi (baptized May 15, 1567, Cremona, Duchy of Milan – died November 29, 1643, Venice) was a pivotal Italian composer, musician, and singer who played a crucial role in the transition from Renaissance to Baroque music. He is often credited as the father of modern opera and significantly influenced the development of the genre. Monteverdi's early musical education was under Marcantonio Ingegneri at Cremona Cathedral, where he published several books of both religious and secular music during his teenage years.

Monteverdi's career took a significant turn when he joined the court of Mantua around 1590 as a string player, where he was influenced by the Flemish composer Giaches de Wert. This exposure led to a transformation in his compositional style, characterized by emotional intensity and innovative use of harmony and melody. His work at Mantua culminated in the creation of his opera "L'Orfeo" in 1607, which remains one of the earliest operas still performed today.

In 1613, Monteverdi moved to Venice, where he became the maestro di cappella at the Basilica of San Marco, continuing to compose both secular and sacred music. His surviving works include nine books of madrigals, large-scale religious compositions like the "Vespro della Beata Vergine," and three complete operas, including "Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria" and "L'incoronazione di Poppea."

Monteverdi's innovative techniques, such as the use of basso continuo, marked a departure from the traditional Renaissance polyphony, establishing him as a central figure in Baroque music. Despite being largely forgotten in the 18th and 19th centuries, his works were rediscovered in the 20th century, securing his legacy as a significant influence in European musical history.