LUIGI CHERUBINI

(1760-1842)
BY: OLIVIA YUNG
MUSICAL STYLE

• was inspired by Christoph Willibald Gluck's operatic writing style

• his music was of extraordinary depth and dramatic power
• was able to express himself very passionately and dramatically without ruining the religious
experience in his religious works
• music remained in the Classical style
• his ability to apply his polyphonic virtuosity to his pieces was admired by many
• moved away from solo singers in operas to focusing on ensembles and the dramatic portion in
operas
HIGHLIGHTS OF HIS LIFE

• In 1778, studied with Giuseppe Sarti and composed his first opera, II Quinto Fabio.
• Permanently established himself in the city of Paris in 1785.
• Démophon, his first work for the French stage, was written in 1788.
• In 1789, he was named new director for an opera company which was started by Louis XVIII.
• In 1792, the company was shut down, Cherubini found refuge in a friend's house in Normandy.
• Turning point of his career was in 1797, when he composed the opera Medée, which was very successful.
• In 1805, he travelled to Vienna to meet Haydn, Beethoven, and Napoleon.
• Became director of the Paris Conservatory in 1822.
REQUIEM IN C MINOR (1816)

• Premiered on January 21, 1816 at a commemoration service for King Louis XVI of France on the 23rd anniversary of
his execution during the French Revolution.
• This work was greatly admired by Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms.
• Consists of 7 movements: Introitus et Kyrie, Graduale, Sequentia: Dies irae, Domine Jesu Christe, Sanctus et
Benedictus, Pie Jesu, and Agnus Dei.
• Was orchestrated for an SATB choir and accompaniment.
• Became the most performed requiems of his age, and was the requiem of choice for funerals and commemorations
services.
• Beethoven stated that if he were to write a requiem, he would use Cherubini's as a model.
RECORDING
BIG IDEA

• His writing style inspired Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann.

• His music was almost forgotten in the 19th century, but gained interest again in the 20th
century.
• Brought Italian operas into French musical life.
• Was influential in the development in French opera as well.
• Had immense influence as a teacher when he taught at the Paris Conservatory, including
to pupil Jacques Halevy, who was Bizet's teacher.
THANK YOU! :)