Johann Simon Mayr reigns supreme in the grand salon of refusals in the history of music. Who remembers that the one who has been put in a corner of memory as a simple teacher of Donizetti was, in his time, one of the most appreciated composers? A prolific author. Father of some 600 works. Including at least seventy operas, to which should be added a good ten sacred oratorios, several dozen masses, cantatas, symphonies, ballet music, chamber music! By the end of the 18th century, his operas were being performed across Europe. Until the 1830s, he remained courted by the greatest courts in Europe - and by Napoleon himself. His works continue to be very successful, as will be the case of his
Medea in Corinto
, whose London performances with the star of the time, Giuditta Pasta, made critics say, in 1826, that his place
"in the scale of art lies between Mozart and Rossini".
Mayr never wanted to respond to requests, preferring to other courts in Europe his post of master of chapel of the Basilica of Bergamo.
Rossinimania and
This article is for subscribers only.
You have 65% left to discover.
Subscribe: 1 € the first month
Can be canceled at any time
I ENJOY IT
Already subscribed?
Log in