[Born at Majolatti, in the Roman States, 1778. Died there, 1851. Aged
73.]
Educated at Naples, and at the early age of seventeen commenced his
musical career as the composer of an opera, which was rapidly followed
by sixteen more. In 1803, he went to Paris, and continued composing
operas. In 1807, appointed musical Director to the Empress Josephine;
and in 1808, produced with great success his best work, “La Vestale.”
From 1810 to 1820, Director of the Italian Opera in Paris. Then invited
to Berlin, where he wrote some more operas, and remained until the death
of the late king in 1840. The greater part of the music composed by
Spontini is forgotten. He was eclipsed by the genius of Rossini, but he
had remarkable ability as a dramatic composer. His instrumentation was
original, and his music abounds in melody.
[By Rauch, 1827. From the marble on the Monument to Spontini, at Tesi,
in Italy.]