Ferdinando Pär

Ferdinando Paer (1 June 1771 – 3 May 1839) was an Italian composer renowned for his operas. He was of Austrian heritage and sometimes spelled his name as Pär when dealing with printing matters in Venice, later changing it to Paër in France. Early Life: Paer was born in Parma to a family of Austrian descent with a strong musical background. His grandfather, Michael Pär, was a band member in Peterwardein (now Petrovaradin, part of Novi Sad). His father, Giulio Paer, was a trumpeter in the Ducal Bodyguards and also performed at church and court events. His mother was Francesca Cutica. Ferdinando's name was given to him in honor of Duke Ferdinand of Parma by Archduchess Maria Amalia of Austria. He received musical training in music theory from Gasparo Ghiretti, a student of the Conservatorio