Bellini, Vincenzo. Born in 1802. An Italian musical composer and a disciple of Rossini. The son of a Sicilian organist, he proceeded to the royal music school of Naples, where he produced his first opera. He attracted attention with "Il Pirata," brought out at Milan and played successively in all the European capitals. In 1831 the production of his greatest opera, "La Sonnambula," established his high reputation. This was followed by the tragic opera, "Norma," and in 1835 by "Puritani," the composer's last work. He died in 1835.

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