Cavalli - An International Composer! With the start and subsequent popularity of opera in Venice, Cavalli found another string to his bow - his ability to compose for theatre. He composed over 40 operas, at the rate of at least one a year. Cavalli's popularity was not only in Venice, but also on an international level. Donald Macleod journeys through Cavalli's period as a prolific composer of opera, where he was setting trends for future opera to come, including the emerging combination of aria and recitative, and the ever emotive lament. Show less