Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) was born in Catania, Sicily. He was a child prodigy, born into a musical family. His amazing gift is especially evident in his long flowing melodic lines, and he was one of the greatest exponents of the 'bel canto' style of operatic writing. His most well-known operas are: "I Capuleti e i Montecchi" , La Sonnambula, Norma, and "I Puritani".