Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 13, 1810 in Cadenet, Vaucluse

Death

:

August 29, 1876 in Saint Germain-en-Laye, France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Félicien David was a French composer who lived from 1810 to 1876. He was born in Cadenet, a small town in the south of France, and showed an early interest in music. His father was a musician and Félicien began studying the violin at a young age. He later studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of François-Joseph Fétis. David's early works were influenced by the Romantic movement, which was popular in France during the mid-19th century. He was particularly interested in the music of the Middle East and Asia, and he incorporated elements of these styles into his compositions. In 1839, he traveled to the Middle East and spent several years studying the music of the region. This experience had a profound impact on his music, and he began to incorporate Middle Eastern and Asian instruments into his compositions. David's most famous work is his opera "Lalla Roukh," which was first performed in Paris in 1862. The opera is based on a poem by the Irish writer Thomas Moore, and tells the story of a princess who travels from India to Samarkand to marry a prince she has never met. The opera was a huge success and was performed throughout Europe and the United States. In addition to "Lalla Roukh," David composed a number of other works that were well-received during his lifetime. These include his Symphony in A major, which was first performed in 1855, and his "Le Désert," a symphonic ode that was first performed in 1844. "Le Désert" is notable for its use of Middle Eastern instruments, including the oud and the darbuka. David's music was praised for its exoticism and its use of non-Western musical elements. However, his work fell out of favor in the years following his death, and he was largely forgotten by the musical establishment. It was not until the 20th century that his music began to be rediscovered and appreciated by a new generation of musicians and music lovers. Today, Félicien David is recognized as an important figure in the development of French music during the 19th century. His use of non-Western musical elements was groundbreaking at the time, and his work paved the way for later composers who would incorporate elements of world music into their compositions. His music continues to be performed and recorded today, and his legacy as a composer and innovator lives on.

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