Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

October 21, 1807

Death

:

November 24, 1880

 

Napoléon Henri Reber was a French composer and music teacher who lived from 1807 to 1880. He was born in Mulhouse, a city in the Alsace region of France, which was then part of the German Confederation. Reber's father was a musician and music teacher, and he began teaching his son music at a young age. Reber showed great talent and interest in music, and his father encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Reber studied music at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of Anton Reicha and François-Joseph Fétis. He won several prizes for his compositions, including the Prix de Rome in 1830 for his cantata "Le Jugement de Dieu." This prize allowed him to study music in Rome for several years, where he was exposed to the works of Italian composers such as Rossini and Donizetti. After returning to Paris, Reber began a career as a music teacher and composer. He taught at several institutions, including the Paris Conservatory, where he was a professor of harmony and counterpoint. He also wrote music criticism for several publications, including the Revue et gazette musicale de Paris. Reber's music is characterized by its clarity and elegance. He was influenced by the classical style of Mozart and Haydn, as well as the romanticism of Schumann and Mendelssohn. His compositions include symphonies, chamber music, and operas. One of his most famous works is his Symphony No. 1 in D major, which was premiered in 1845 and received critical acclaim. Reber's operas were also well-received during his lifetime. His first opera, "Le Diable amoureux," was premiered in 1834 and was based on a story by Cazotte. It was praised for its melodic inventiveness and dramatic flair. His other operas include "Maître Wolfram," "Le Roi Lear," and "Le Naufrage de la Méduse." In addition to his compositions, Reber was also known for his contributions to music education. He wrote several textbooks on music theory and harmony, which were widely used in France and other countries. He also served as a judge for several music competitions, including the Prix de Rome. Reber's music fell out of favor after his death, as the romanticism of composers such as Wagner and Berlioz became more popular. However, his works have been rediscovered in recent years and are now being performed and recorded more frequently. His contributions to music education are also being recognized, and his textbooks are still used by music students today. Overall, Napoléon Henri Reber was a talented composer and music teacher who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works are characterized by their clarity and elegance, and his contributions to music education have had a lasting impact.

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