In a short period of his creative life, this composer wrote 11 operas, which have been successfully staged for almost two centuries. He has experienced an enthusiastic reception from the public and condemnation of critics, his music is time-tested.
Biography
Vincenzo Bellini was born in 1801 in Catana, Sicily. Grandfather and father were composers, in addition, they worked as musicians for the local nobility.
The boy received his primary musical education at home, his grandfather acted as a teacher. Bellini very early showed great musical talent, some sources claimed that the boy could sing an aria when he was not even two years old. At the age of seven, he creates his first piece of music - a church hymn.
The gifted boy caused a stir in the local community, when Bellini turned 14, the townspeople collected a scholarship for him so that he could continue his studies. The young man entered the Conservatory Real Collegio di Musica, located in Naples.
Bellini charmed all the teachers with his diligence and talent, a year after admission he was able to pass a difficult exam, becoming eligible for a scholarship. He sent the money collected by the citizens of Katana to his family.
Career
The first independently composed opera, Adelson and Salvini, was staged by the composer during his studies at the conservatory.
In 1826, his opera Bianca and Fernando was staged at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. The premiere was an overwhelming success, with orders from theaters and high-ranking fans pouring into Bellini.
In 1927, he completed an order for an opera for the famous Teatro alla Scala in Milan. His opera "Pirate" conquered the spoiled Milanese society. The second work written for this theater, the opera Outlander, was also received with enthusiasm by the audience.
The next opera, written by Bellini, “Zaira”, was received with bewilderment by the public, calling it “a failure”. This is the only opera by the composer that has not received public approval.
In 1833 he moved to Paris. For the Parisian public, the author managed to write only one opera, "The Puritans", which was received with exceptional admiration.
Critics, unlike the public, did not always warmly accept Bellini's work, pointing out his weaknesses, for example, the orchestral accompaniment. The sensibility of music, unusual for that time, was also condemned by critics.
Personal life
After returning to Milan, Bellini fell seriously ill, his husband and wife Pollini, who became parents for the musician, helped him cope with the disease.
Nervous overloads from work and intense social activities significantly worsened the composer's health. He died in September 1835.
He was buried in Paris, in the Pere Lachaise cemetery. But in 1876, it was decided to reburial Bellini in the cathedral in Catana. The event was held with lavish ceremonies, paying tribute to the great composer.
