Boito

Boito, Arrigo, Italian composer and poet. Born at Padua 1842. Besides writing his own librettos, he has published songs, novels, and lyrical dramas. After studying at the Conservatorium at Milan, he produced, but without success, in 1868 the opera Mefistofele. In this the influence of Wagner may be traced, and it has since grown more popular. He has also composed Ero e Leandro, Nerone, and Oda all' Arte.