The Palace and Park by Phillips, Forbes, Latham, Owen, Scharf, and Shenton

[Born at Majolatti, in the Roman States, 1778. Died there, 1851. Aged 73.] Educated at Naples, and at the early age of seventeen commenced his musical career as the composer of an opera, which was rapidly followed by sixteen more. In 1803, he went to Paris, and continued composing operas. In 1807, appointed musical Director to the Empress Josephine; and in 1808, produced with great success his best work, “La Vestale.” From 1810 to 1820, Director of the Italian Opera in Paris. Then invited to Berlin, where he wrote some more operas, and remained until the death of the late king in 1840. The greater part of the music composed by Spontini is forgotten. He was eclipsed by the genius of Rossini, but he had remarkable ability as a dramatic composer. His instrumentation was original, and his music abounds in melody. [By Rauch, 1827. From the marble on the Monument to Spontini, at Tesi, in Italy.]