At the conclusion of this long period of devoted study, Gluck began to write an opera, entitled “Artaxerxes.”  When completed it was accepted at the Milan Theater, brought out in 1741 and met with much success.  This success induced one of the managers in Venice to offer him an engagement for that city if he would compose a new opera.  Gluck then produced “Clytemnestra.”  This second work had a remarkable success, and the managers arranged for the composition of another opera, which was “Demetrio,” which, like the others was most favorably received.  Gluck now had offers from Turin, so that the next two years were spent between that city and Milan, for which cities he wrote five or six operas.  By this time the name of Gluck had become famous all over Italy; indeed his fame had spread to other countries, with the result that tempting offers for new operas flowed in to him from all directions.  Especially was a London manager, a certain Lord Middlesex, anxious to entice the young composer from Italy to come over to London, and produce some of his works at the King’s Theater in the Haymarket.

The noble manager made a good offer too, and Gluck felt he ought to accept.  He reached London in 1745, but owing to the rebellion which had broken out in Scotland all the theaters were closed, and the city in more or less confusion.  However a chance to hear the famous German composer, who had traveled such a distance, was not to be lost, and Lord Middlesex besought the Powers to re-open the theater.  After much pleading his request was finally granted.  The opening opera, written on purpose to introduce Gluck to English audiences, was entitled “La Caduta del Giganti,”—­“Fall of the Giants”—­and did not seem to please the public.  But the young composer was undaunted.  His next opera, “Artamene,” pleased them no better.  The mind of the people was taken up at that period with politics and political events, and they cared less than usual for music and the arts.  Then, too, Handel, at the height of his fame, was living in London, honored and courted by the aristocracy and the world of fashion.

Though disappointed at his lack of success, Gluck remained in England several years, constantly composing operas, none of which seemed to win success.  At last he took his way quietly back to Vienna.  In 1754, he was invited to Rome, where he produced several operas, among them “Antigone”; they were all successful, showing the Italians appreciated his work.  He now proceeded to Florence, and while there became acquainted with an Italian poet, Ranieri di Calzabigi.  They were mutually attracted to each other, and on parting had sworn to use their influence and talents to reform Italian opera.