Christoph Willibald Gluck

Christoph Willibald Ritter von Gluck (Erasbach bei Berching, 2 July 1714 – Vienna, 15 November 1787) was a composer from Germany who worked in Italy, Paris and Vienna, among other places. He is known as one of the most important opera composers of his time, the (early) classical period, and also as one of the most important reformers of the opera genre in history.
In the Heimatmuseum in Bavarian Berching, part of the collection is devoted to his work and life.

Gluck was the eldest son of a forester (a kind of forest manager) in the service of the Bavarian Prince-Elector. In 1717 the family settled in Bohemia. His father was employed by Prince Lobkowicz. Little is known about his musical education; from 1726 he was a choir boy in Komotau. In 1732 Gluck went to Prague, where he initially earned his living as an organist. As a violinist he subsequently entered the service of various noblemen, first in Prague and later in Vienna.
Not until he was 23 did he begin composing seriously. Through Prince Melzi he became acquainted with Giovanni Battista Sammartini and turned his attention to Italian opera. In 1741 his first opera was premiered in Milan: Artaserse, to a libretto by Pietro Metastasio. The work was successful and commissions followed from various cities in Italy.
In 1745 he made a trip to Paris as an accompanist to Prince Lobkowicz, where he met Rameau, and to London, where he became acquainted with Händel.