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Italian opera composer of the Romantic era, renowned for his long-flowing melodic lines which earned him the nickname 'The Swan of Catania'.Born in Catania, Sicily, Bellini studied at the Naples Conservatory. He achieved early fame with his opera 'Il pirata' (1827) in Milan. Known for masterpieces like 'La sonnambula', 'Norma', and 'I puritani', his style epitomized the bel canto tradition. He spent his final years in Paris before dying at age 33.

• Bellini's intense rivalry with Gaetano Donizetti was a major feature of the Italian opera scene in the 1830s.
• His death in 1835 near Paris was caused by acute dysentery, possibly complicated by an amoebic liver abscess, cutting short his brilliant career at its peak.
• His body was returned to Sicily for burial in Catania Cathedral, where he received a hero's welcome decades after leaving.
• Despite his relatively small output (10 operas), his influence was immense; Frédéric Chopin greatly admired Bellini's melodic style.
• His demanding vocal writing, particularly for soprano roles like Norma, continues to challenge and showcase the greatest singers.