Ruperto Chapí y Lorente, born on March 27, 1851, in Villena, Alicante, was a prominent Spanish composer known for his significant contributions to the zarzuela genre. Coming from a musical family, Chapí began his musical journey at a young age, playing in local bands and composing his first zarzuela, "La estrella del bosque," at the age of 15. He furthered his studies at the Madrid Conservatory under the guidance of Miguel Galiana and Emilio Arrieta.

Chapí's career took a significant turn in 1872 when he won a composition prize, leading to opportunities at the Teatro Real and a scholarship to study at the Paris Conservatoire. He returned to Madrid in 1878, where he focused on composing zarzuelas and operas. His notable works include the zarzuelas "La tempestad" (1882), "La bruja" (1887), and "El rey que rabió" (1891), as well as operas like "Roger de Flor" (1878) and "Circe" (1902).

Beyond his compositions, Chapí co-founded the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers, contributing to the protection of artists' rights. Despite his operas' occasional revivals, Chapí is best remembered for his zarzuelas, which showcased his ability to blend Spanish musical elements with technical sophistication. He passed away in Madrid on March 25, 1909, leaving a lasting legacy in Spanish music.