Gaspare Spontini
The Italian opera composer and conductor Gaspare Spontini was born in Maiolati on 14 November 1774, but spent most of his life in Paris and Berlin, becoming an important figure in French opera at the beginning of the nineteenth century.
His best known work is probably the 1807 opera La Vestale, which established him as one of the greatest Italian composers of his time, but after his death on 24 January 1851 he was largely forgotten.
A selection of articles about Gaspare Spontini
Ensemble. Florence Rediscovers a Masterpiece - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Gaspare Spontini's 'Fernand Cortez ou La Conquête du Mexique'
Ensemble. Almost a World Premiere - Gaspare Spontini's 'Le metamorfosi di Pasquale', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Very Rich Menu - Giuseppe Pennisi attends two first performances at the Pergolesi Spontini Festival in Jesi
Ensemble. Accolades and Ovations - Antonio Pappano's 'Beethoven and the Contemporaries', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Taste for Melody - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Spontini's recently discovered comedy 'La Fuga in Maschera'
Ensemble. A Difficult Cocktail - Rossini's 'Moïse et Pharaon', assessed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. 'Alceste' in the Madhouse - Giuseppe Pennisi files his last report from the 2010 Aix-en-Provence Festival
Ensemble. Sometimes Impressive - Bellini's 'Norma' from English Touring Opera, heard by Robert Hugill