Why did Gioachino Rossini accept Domenico Barbaia’s contract to compose operas in Naples?

Gioachino Rossini accepted the contract from the Neapolitan impresario Domenico Barbaia primarily because of the attractive terms offered, which included financial security and a commitment to produce two operas per year.1

Furthermore, Rossini was impressed by Barbaia himself, who was a wealthy millionaire rather than the typical, financially unstable impresario of the time. The opportunity to work in Naples also provided him with access to the prominent diva Isabella Colbran, who was associated with Barbaia and later became a key interpreter of Rossini’s music.1