Johann Simon Mayr

Johannes Simon Mayr was one of the leading operatic composers in Italy during the late 18th century and the early to middle 19th century. He was a predecesor to Rossini, Donizetti (who was his student) and Mercadante. At the age of twenty six he was able to study with Bertoni in Venice. His most successful works included "Che originali," "Ginevra di Scozia," "La rosa bianca e la rosa rosa," and "Medea in Corinto." These specific operas were performed not only in Italy on numerous occasions but also abroad. They continued to be staged even after Rossini's popularity and fame had apexed. While serving in Bergamo, as the master of the chapel, Mayr arranged performances of works by Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn. It is clear through his own compositions that he was influenced by Gluck with his colorful instrumentation, artistic construction and extended dramatic episodes between scenes. ~ Keith Johnson