An outstanding Italian composer of the Baroque period, Antonio Cesti studied with Carissimi and Luigi Rossi. Cesti was appointed organist of the Cathedral in Volterra in 1637, and later assumed the position of Master of music there. Cesti’s patrons included the Medici that helped Cesti to create a very successful career as a secular composer and singer. Cesti’s phenomenal success also resulted in his accumulation of significant wealth. To celebrate Cesti’s contribution to music, he was awarded an abbotship. Cesti’s sudden death was very suspicious, and many of his friends were certain that he was poisoned.