Gaspare Spontini was an influential Italian composer primarily active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born on November 14, 1774, in Maiolati, Spontini initially studied at the Conservatorio della Pietà dei Turchini in Naples before embarking on a career that would see him achieve great acclaim across Europe. His style exemplified the transition from Classical to early Romantic music, and he is best known for his operatic compositions which were monumental in scale, rich in harmony, and dramatically intense.

Spontini's career highlights include his appointment as the court composer to Napoleon Bonaparte's Imperial Court where he composed "La Vestale" in 1807, which became one of his most celebrated works. Following Napoleon’s fall, Spontini found new success in Berlin, working as the General Music Director of Prussia. Other notable operas include "Fernand Cortez" (1809) and "Olympie" (1819), each reflecting his flair for capturing emotional depth and grandeur. After his death on January 24, 1851, Spontini's legacy somewhat faded, overshadowed by the rise of new Romantic composers. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in his music, with modern performances and recordings bringing his operatic masterpieces back into the public eye.

Genres

Classical Era

Early Romantic Era

Italian Opera

Latest Release

In the Shadows

Michael Spyres•

Christophe Rousset•

Les Talens Lyriques•

Gaspare Spontini•

Giacomo Meyerbeer•

Gioachino Rossini•

Ludwig van Beethoven•

Richard Wagner

Album - 12 Tracks - Released March 1, 2024