Final answer:
The aria “Possente Spirto” is from the opera L'Orfeo, composed by Claudio Monteverdi, which is considered to be the first opera of lasting importance in the history of the art form.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Possente Spirto” is from the opera L'Orfeo, considered to be the first opera of lasting importance. This significant work was composed by Claudio Monteverdi and premiered in 1607. The aria is notable for its display of the singer’s virtuosity and the expressive power of music, which is why it stands out as a highlight in early operatic history.
Monteverdi’s L'Orfeo is often celebrated for its rich orchestration and the emotional depth it brought to the art form, positioning it as a cornerstone in the development of opera as we know it today.