Pietro Mascagni was an Italian composer born on December 7, 1863, in Livorno, Italy. He is best known for his opera Cavalleria Rusticana, which premiered in 1890 and became a significant work in the verismo style of opera. Mascagni's music is characterized by its emotional intensity and rich orchestration. Throughout his career, Mascagni composed over a dozen operas, as well as orchestral and choral works. He was a prominent figure in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the development of Italian opera. Mascagni passed away on August 2, 1945, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.