In 1772-73 the illustrious Gluck came to Paris.

His art was believed to reconcile the two schools, to have more melody than the old French style, and more severity and meaning than the purely Italian style.

French dignity was saved.

But soon the old battle, which had been going on for twenty years, began to rage with greater violence than ever.

Piccini was brought to Paris by the Neapolitan ambassador.