Antonio Lotti

Antonio Lotti was an Italian composer of the late Baroque era, born in Venice around 1667 and active primarily in his native city. He served as organist and later maestro di cappella at St. Mark's Basilica, composing sacred music, operas, and cantatas that blended Venetian tradition with emerging galant elements. His output includes numerous masses, motets, and oratorios, with his eight-part Crucifixus remaining one of his most performed works. Lotti also spent time in Dresden, where he composed operas for the court, before returning to Venice. He died in 1740, leaving a legacy of contrapuntal sacred music that influenced later generations.