Luigi Cherubini, born in Florence in 1760, received his first music lessons from his father at the age of six. After Giuseppe Sarti mentored and financially supported him in Florence, Cherubini was able to develop his talent. His career began with the opera "Il Quinto Fabio" in 1780; three more works soon followed in Florence: "Armida abbandonata," "Adriano in Siria," and "Mesenzio, re d’Etruria."
The opera "Armida abbandonata," based on Tasso's work, was Cherubini's first stage production in Florence, but it was not a great success. Although his orchestral approach was unconventional, the Sinfonia to "Armida" demonstrated his talent for symphonic composition. In contrast, "Mesenzio, re d’Etruria" found favor with audiences, as the libretto incorporated motifs from Virgil's "Aeneid."
The opera "Armida abbandonata," based on Tasso's work, was Cherubini's first stage production in Florence, but it was not a great success. Although his orchestral approach was unusual, the Sinfonia to "Armida" demonstrated his talent for symphonic writing. In contrast, "Mesenzio, re d’Etruria" was well-received by the public, as the libretto incorporated motifs from Virgil's "Aeneid."
In 1784, Cherubini followed Sarti's advice and traveled to London, where he premiered, among other works, "La finta principessa" and "Il Giulio Sabino." In Paris, Cherubini met Viotti and wrote both operas and arias for the Théâtre de Monsieur. Despite a remarkable overture, his opera "Démophon" was not a great success.
With works such as "Ifigenia in Aulide," Cherubini demonstrated his compositional versatility, and he composed arias such as "Ti lascio adorato mio ben" and "D’un dolce ardor la face" for the soprano Baletti. Cherubini finally established himself in Paris with compositions like "Lodoïska."