Giacomo Carissimi

Giacomo Carissimi (1604?-74), Italian composer, born in Marino, near Rome. Carissimi began his career as a singer and organist. In 1627 he was appointed choirmaster in Assisi, and from about 1628 to 1674 he held that office in the Church of Sant' Apollinare in Rome. He was a pioneer in the development of the chamber cantata and the oratorio. His masterpiece was the oratorio Jephtha. As a teacher Carissimi influenced many Italian composers, notably Alessandro Scarlatti.