Scoreload

German composer of the Classical era renowned for revolutionizing opera with dramatic integrity and musical simplicity.Born in Erasbach, Upper Palatinate, Gluck traveled extensively across Europe, studying in Italy and working in Vienna, Paris, and London. He composed over 50 operas, pioneering reforms that prioritized emotional expression over vocal display. His innovations reshaped 18th-century opera and influenced future generations.

• Gluck survived a near-fatal carriage accident in 1770, which left him with lasting health issues and temporarily halted his career.
• He sparked the "Querelle des Gluckistes et des Piccinnistes" (Gluck-Piccinni controversy) in Paris—a fierce artistic debate between supporters of his reform operas and traditional Italian opera advocates.
• Pope Benedict XIV knighted him in 1756, granting the title "Ritter von Gluck" (Knight of Gluck) for his compositional achievements.
• He died in Vienna after multiple strokes, reportedly while discussing the premiere of his final opera, "Echo et Narcisse."