Cavalli was the direct successor of Claudio Monteverdi’s theatrical opera music. He wrote nearly 40 operas most of which have been forgotten.

Some revivals of his work have achieved popularity in recent years.

He became a choir-boy at St. Mark's in Venice in 1616 under the direction of Monteverdi, with whom he later enjoyed a close working relationship. He became second organist of the basilica in 1639 and first organist in 1665.