Role

:

Composer

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Samuel Naumbourg was a French composer, conductor, and musicologist who was born on January 15, 1817, in Metz, France. He was the son of a cantor and grew up in a musical family. His father, Isaac Naumbourg, was a renowned cantor and composer, and his mother, Esther, was a singer. Samuel Naumbourg showed an early interest in music and began studying the violin and piano at a young age. Naumbourg's musical education began at the Paris Conservatory, where he studied under the tutelage of François-Joseph Fétis and Fromental Halévy. He excelled in his studies and won several prizes, including the Prix de Rome in 1840. This prestigious award allowed him to study in Italy for three years, where he was exposed to the works of the great Italian composers of the time. Upon his return to Paris, Naumbourg began his career as a conductor and composer. He was appointed the conductor of the synagogue choir at the Rue Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth in Paris, where he served for over 50 years. He also conducted the choir at the Great Synagogue of Paris and was a professor of music at the Ecole Normale Israélite Orientale. Naumbourg's compositions were heavily influenced by his Jewish heritage and his love of classical music. He wrote numerous works for the synagogue, including settings of the Psalms, hymns, and liturgical music. His compositions were known for their beauty and complexity, and he was considered one of the leading composers of Jewish music in his time. One of Naumbourg's most famous works is his setting of the Hallel service, which is traditionally recited on Jewish holidays. His version of the Hallel is considered one of the most beautiful and complex settings of this service, and it is still performed in synagogues around the world today. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Naumbourg was also a musicologist. He was a member of the Société des Antiquaires de France and was known for his research into the history of Jewish music. He published several books on the subject, including "Les Chants Populaires des Juifs" and "Les Musiciens Juifs." Naumbourg's contributions to the world of classical music and Jewish music were significant. He helped to elevate the status of Jewish music and brought it to a wider audience. His compositions were known for their beauty and complexity, and his research into the history of Jewish music helped to preserve this important cultural heritage. Samuel Naumbourg died on April 27, 1880, in Paris, France. He left behind a legacy of beautiful music and important research into the history of Jewish music. His contributions to the world of classical music and Jewish music continue to be celebrated today.

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