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How did Gaetano Donizetti become official composer to Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria?

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Donizetti, Gaetano — Gaetano Donizetti Gaetano Donizetti, portrait by Giovanni Carnevali; in the Museo Donizettiano, Bergamo, Italy.

Gaetano Donizetti became the official composer to Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria after being brought to the Emperor's attention by his chancellor, Prince Metternich.1

This appointment followed a period in which Donizetti had conducted Gioachino Rossini's Stabat Mater in the Emperor's presence. As the official composer, Donizetti was required to reside in Vienna for six months each year, though he remained free to work elsewhere during the remainder of the year.1