* The Florentine Camerata (late 16th century): This group of intellectuals, including Vincenzo Galilei, Giulio Caccini, and Jacopo Peri, sought to revive the ancient Greek drama through music. Their experiments led to the creation of the first operas, including "Dafne" (1598) and "Euridice" (1600), which emphasized dramatic action and emotional expression through singing.
* Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643): A key composer of the early Baroque era, Monteverdi greatly advanced the development of opera. He wrote "Orfeo" (1607), which is considered one of the first masterpieces of the genre and a significant step forward in its dramatic and musical depth.
* Other early opera composers: The early 17th century saw numerous composers contributing to the evolution of opera, including Francesco Cavalli, Giacomo Carissimi, and Alessandro Scarlatti. They further developed the form, introducing elements like arias, recitatives, and elaborate stage sets.
Therefore, rather than attributing the vision of opera as musical drama to a single individual, it's more accurate to recognize the collective efforts of the Florentine Camerata, Monteverdi, and other early opera composers. They laid the foundation for the rich tradition of opera that continues to flourish today.