In the early 1750s, Christian Cannabich was sent to Italy by the Prince-elector Carl Theodor and spent three years studying composition under Niccolò Jommelli. This period of study took place in Rome beginning in 1750, where Jommelli served as maestro coadiutore of the Papal Chapel and was an established and successful opera composer. Cannabich remained under Jommelli’s guidance until 1753, closely observing his teacher’s work at the Papal Chapel and in the Roman musical environment.
After completing his studies in Rome, Cannabich followed Jommelli to Stuttgart when Jommelli was appointed Ober-Kapellmeister, continuing the connection between student and teacher. This extended period of mentorship significantly shaped Cannabich’s development as a composer and contributed to his later success within the Mannheim school.
