Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 2, 1875

Death

:

July 8, 1957

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Henry Février was a French composer who was born on July 2, 1875, in Paris, France. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Février began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with his father. He later studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of Jules Massenet and Gabriel Fauré. Février's early compositions were influenced by the Romantic style of Massenet and Fauré. His first major work was the opera "Monna Vanna," which premiered in 1909. The opera was based on a play by Maurice Maeterlinck and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Février's use of lush harmonies and lyrical melodies in "Monna Vanna" established him as a composer to watch. In the years that followed, Février continued to compose operas, ballets, and orchestral works. His music was often characterized by its romanticism and lyricism, as well as its use of French folk melodies. Février's most famous work is the opera "Gismonda," which premiered in 1919. The opera was based on a play by Victorien Sardou and starred the famous French actress Sarah Bernhardt. "Gismonda" was a huge success and cemented Février's reputation as one of France's leading composers. Février's other notable works include the ballet "La Nuit de Mai," which premiered in 1912, and the opera "Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame," which premiered in 1926. "Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame" was based on a story by Anatole France and was one of Février's most popular works. The opera tells the story of a humble juggler who becomes a saint through his devotion to the Virgin Mary. Février's music was often compared to that of his contemporaries, such as Debussy and Ravel. While his music shared some similarities with theirs, Février's style was distinctively his own. His use of lush harmonies and lyrical melodies set him apart from other composers of his time. Février continued to compose throughout his life, but his output slowed in his later years. He died on July 21, 1954, in Paris, France. Despite his relatively small output, Février's music continues to be performed and admired by classical music enthusiasts around the world. His romantic and lyrical style has stood the test of time and remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime.

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