One of greatest Baroque opera composers, Christoph
WillibaldGluck escaped from his home in Bohemia to study music
in Prague, against his fatherís wishes. Gluckís first position
was a composer and keyboard player for the court of Prince
Lobkowitz in Vienna. Gluck travelled with the court to Italy
where he became a student of Sammartini. Having earned a great
reputation as an opera composer in Italy, Guck was commissioned
to write operas for the Haymarket Theatre in London. Offended by
Handelís critical remarks, Gluck left London and moved to Paris
where his opera compositions received phenomenal reputation. His
greatest triumph with Iphigenie en Tauride was followed by a
failure of his Echo etNarcisse. Gluck left Paris and settled in
Vienna where he lived in virtual retirement.Gluck's historical
importance lies in blending the best opera traditions of
Italian, French, and German schools. Gluck was also regarded as
a great teacher. His students include Salieri, Sacchini,
Cherubini, Méhul and Spontini.