Andreozzi, Gaetano

1763-1826

Italian dramatic composer. Born in Naples and was a pupil at the Conservatory, of that city, under his relative Jommelli. When only sixteen, he composed his first opera, La Morte di Cesare. He was made director of the Royal Chapel at Naples and traveled through Italy, bringing out his operas. He also visited Russia and Spain successfully but returned to Italy and settled in Naples as a teacher and in 1790 became conductor at the Opera in Naples. Becoming very much reduced in fortune, he went to Paris in 1825, where he was befriended by the Duchess of Berry, who had formerly been his pupil. He wrote thirty-four operas and three oratorios.