Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

December 16, 1775 in Rouen, France

Death

:

October 8, 1834 in Jarcy, France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Opera

 

François-Adrien Boieldieu was a French composer who was born on December 16, 1775, in Rouen, France. He was the son of a dancing master and a harpist, and he showed an early interest in music. At the age of six, he began to study the harp with his mother, and he later learned to play the violin and the piano. Boieldieu's musical talent was recognized at an early age, and he was sent to study at the Paris Conservatory when he was just nine years old. He studied composition with Jean-François Le Sueur and piano with Louis Adam. He was a gifted student, and he won several prizes at the Conservatory. After completing his studies, Boieldieu began to compose music for the stage. His first opera, La fille coupable, was performed in 1793, when he was just 18 years old. The opera was a success, and it was followed by several more operas, including Le calife de Bagdad (1800) and Les deux nuits (1800). In 1804, Boieldieu was appointed as the court composer to Napoleon Bonaparte. He composed several works for the Emperor, including the opera La dame blanche (1825), which was one of his most successful works. The opera was performed all over Europe, and it was translated into several languages. Boieldieu's music was known for its lyricism and its use of folk melodies. He was influenced by the music of his native Normandy, and he incorporated elements of folk music into his compositions. He was also influenced by the music of Mozart and Gluck, and he was one of the first French composers to use the orchestra in a dramatic way. Boieldieu's music was popular during his lifetime, and he was one of the most successful composers of his time. He composed over 40 operas, as well as chamber music, piano music, and songs. His music was performed all over Europe, and he was admired by many of his contemporaries, including Beethoven and Rossini. Boieldieu died on October 8, 1834, in Jarcy, France. He was 58 years old. His music continued to be performed after his death, and it influenced many composers who came after him. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important French composers of the early 19th century.

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