Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) was an Italian operatic composer. Known for nine operas during his short lifespan, Bellini was heavily influenced by worldly composers, such as Gioachino Rossini and, more famously, Mozart.

In 1835, soon before his death, Bellini was inspired to write the opera I Puritani, which was originally performed in Paris, France. This opera is often considered the most ambitious and beautiful of Bellini’s canon. Within this opera is the melody “Son vergin vezzosa” (I am a merry maiden) which George Linley drew upon to create “Arrayed for the Bridal”.