Benedetto Giacomo Marcello was born in Venice in 1686 into a noble family. He was an Italian composer, writer, and magistrate. Although his father wished for him to pursue a career in law, Benedetto studied music under respected teachers. He successfully balanced his career in law and music. In 1711, he became a member of the Council of Forty, the central government in Venice, and later served as a district governor in Pola.

Marcello is well known for composing church music and oratorios, and he is particularly remembered for his work, Estro poetico-armonico. This piece includes settings of the first fifty Psalms, inspired by Jewish music traditions. Despite his achievements, Marcello faced challenges in his personal life, including a secret marriage to a commoner, which was later declared unlawful. He passed away in 1739 but left a legacy that influences musicians and composers to this day.