Luigi Cherubini (1760-1842) was one of the leading figures in the musical world of the early nineteenth century, being active as well in Paris, London and Vienna as in his home country Italy. He became the first inspector of the Paris Conservatory of Music where he taught composition from 1816 onwards and was director from 1821 to 1841. Besides his famous 'Requiem in C minor' he wrote some thirty operas, fallen into oblivion except for the overtures, and also several marches for wind band. 'Anacreon' is a ballet-opera in one act written and first performed in 1803. The composition is rather representative for Cherubini's style and boasts several pleasant melodies fitting in a distinct structure. The overture is written in a simple classical style. The introducing largo leads to the central allegro and then the themes are developed in a fascinating way.
