Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842)

Biography

Luigi Cherubini was born in Florence (Italy) in 1760. His instruction in music began at the age of six with his father. Considered a child prodigy, Cherubini studied counterpoint and dramatic style at an early age.

Feeling constrained by Italian traditions and eager to experiment, Cherubini traveled to London in 1785 where he produced two opera serias and an opera buffa for the King's Theater. In the same year, he went to Paris where spent the rest of his life.

Cherubini turned increasingly to church music, writing seven masses, two requiems and many shorter pieces. Although chamber music does not make up a large portion of his output, what he did write was important.

In 1822, Cherubini became director of the Conservatoire in Paris and completed his textbook, “Cours de contrepoint et de fugue”, in 1835.

Cherubini died in Paris in March 1842