LUIGI CHERUBINI. — Musician, born in Florence on 14 Sept. 1760, died in Paris on 15 March 1842. He was a pupil first of his father, then of the Florentine masters Felici, Bizzarri and Castrucci. He completed his training in the school of Sarti in Bologna. In 1784 he went to England, which he left for Paris, where he had met Viotti. Despite his merits and triumphs, Napoleon neglected him, so in 1805 he went to Vienna, where he had *Fianischa* performed, which earned the flattering judgment of Haydn and Beethoven.
Cherubini’s musical output is very extensive: about 20 operas, 10 masses, symphonies, cantatas, quartets, theoretical works and the *Course of Counterpoint and Fugue*. He himself compiled a catalogue of his own compositions. In 1822 he was appointed director of the Paris Conservatory, a post he held until his death.
Cherubini, Luigi – Autograph of the score of the opera *Wasserträger* – Berlin, National Library.
Cherubini’s art is classical, aristocratic, severe; it does not indulge in effect but aims rather at expression, which is always powerful; for this reason some pages of his works recall Mozart and Beethoven. As a composer of sacred music he is of great importance. Even today one admires the solid construction of his Mass in D minor and his famous Requiem, so highly praised by Berlioz.