 Nourrit responded by leaving for Italy in emulation of his competitor; but unlike Duprez, he failed to master the new singing style during studies with Donizetti and committed suicide.Duprez maintained his leading position at the Opéra until 1849, singing the title role in the première of Berlioz's "Benvenuto Cellini" in 1838, and taking part in several further Donizetti premieres, including those of "La favorite" (as Fernand) and "Les Martyrs" (as Poliuto), both in 1840, and Dom Sébastien (in the title role), in 1843.Ironically the role of Poliuto, which Donizetti had written expressly for Nourrit in order to help him to maintain his exalted position, was to become associated in the public's mind with Duprez.