Ferdinand Paër

Ferdinand Paër (Ferdinando Paer) (1771–1839) was an Italian composer of over 50 operas, religious works, cantatas, symphonies and chamber works. Paër began his career as a kapellmeister in Parma and worked his way up to become conductor at the Kärtnertortheater in Vienna, Kapellmeister at the Court of Dresden, Court Kapellmeister to Napoleon, Musical Director at the Emperor’s Court in Paris and Director of the Théâtre Italien in Paris.

Chopin contacted Paër when he arrived in Paris. The Italian composer helped him obtain permanent residence in France.