May 9 — On This Day in Opera

Death of Dietrich Buxtehude, German organist and composer influential in the development of the Baroque style.

Giovanni Paisiello, composer of operas including "Il barbiere di Siviglia" and "Nina", was born.

Death of Tomaso Antonio Vitali, Italian composer and violinist known for his chaconne in G minor.

Death of Claude Balbastre, French composer and organist noted for his harpsichord works.

"Così fan tutte" received its first performance at the King's Theatre, Haymarket, London.

Death of Friedrich Wilhelm Berner, German composer and organist.

Birth of Luigi Illica, Italian librettist who collaborated with composers like Puccini on operas such as 'La Bohème' and 'Tosca'.

Premiere of Rachmaninoff's opera 'Aleko' at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

London debut of American soprano Louise Homer at Covent Garden in Mascagni's 'Cavalleria Rusticana'.

Anne Sofie von Otter, Swedish mezzo-soprano active in opera, recital, and concert repertoire, was born.

"Panfilo and Lauretta", the first version of Carlos Chávez's opera later known as "The Visitors", received its world premiere at Brander Matthews Theatre, Columbia University.

Ezio Pinza, Italian bass and major Metropolitan Opera singer, died.

Mieczysław Weinberg's opera "The Idiot" received its world premiere at the National Theatre Mannheim.