I suppose it should be noted that "Medea" has maintained a tenuous place in the repertoire due to its being used as a vehicle for the talents of dramatic sopranos like Maria Callas, although I believe the version generally in use is an adaptation with additions by one of the Lachners.
True story about Berlioz. He did this at the premiere of Cherubini's final opera, Ali Baba. Cherubini seems to have been one of those composers like Mayr, who weren't able to evolve their musical style as fast as the musical tastes of the day were changing.
I think Berlioz might have agreed with you; there's a story that he stood up in a box during a performance of one of Cherubini's Operas calling out "A penny - (or whatever the currency in question was) - for an idea " It's amazing that Beethoven rated him so highly. Cherubini on being asked to comment on Beethoven said, "His music makes me sneeze."
I'll add a note to that effect, too, about Gli Abencerragi , Chris. I recall listening to the live recording of Cherubini's Lodoïska some years ago - not the currently available Muti or the newer one conducted by Rohrer but the one from 1961 conducted by de Fabritiis with a good cast - and honestly think that it was awful - lots of men clumping about and shouting, far too much dialogue and hardly a tune to throw at a dog - but no doubt now someone will tell me that I am scandalously denigrating a masterpiece...
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