Antonio Cesti

Antonio Cesti (bap. 5 August 1623 – 14 October 1669), known today primarily as an Italian composer of the Baroque era, he was also a singer (tenor), and organist. He was "the most celebrated Italian musician of his generation". He was born at Arezzo, and studied with various local musicians. In 1637 he joined the Franciscan order. While he was in Volterra he turned more toward secular music, probably due to the patronage of the powerful Medici family.