Isouard, Nicoló

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Isouard, Nicoló (b Valletta, Malta, 1775; d Paris, 1818). Maltese composer of Fr. origin, known sometimes as Nicoló or Nicolo de Malta. First opera prod. Florence 1794. Returned to Paris 1799, becoming popular opera composer in rivalry to Boieldieu. Of over 35 operas prod. in 16 years, the best was Cendrillon (1810), but also set Il barbiere di Siviglia (c.1796) and Joconde (1814). Comp. sacred works, airs, and romances.