Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

June 3, 1832

Death

:

October 24, 1918 in Paris, France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Charles Lecocq was a French composer of operettas and light music, born on June 3, 1832, in Paris, France. He was the son of a piano maker and showed an early interest in music. At the age of 14, he entered the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied composition with Ambroise Thomas and Jacques Fromental Halévy. Lecocq's first major success came in 1856 with his operetta "Le Docteur Miracle," which was performed at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens. This was followed by a string of successful operettas, including "La Fille de Madame Angot" (1873), which became one of the most popular works of its kind in France. Lecocq's music was known for its lightness and charm, and he was often compared to his contemporary, Jacques Offenbach. However, Lecocq's music was more melodic and less satirical than Offenbach's, and he had a particular talent for writing catchy tunes that were easy to remember. One of Lecocq's most famous works is "La Fille de Madame Angot," which tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a revolutionary during the French Revolution. The operetta was an instant success and was performed all over Europe and the United States. It was also adapted into a film in 1934. Another popular work by Lecocq is "Giroflé-Girofla," which was first performed in 1874. The operetta tells the story of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to escape an arranged marriage. The music is light and playful, with catchy tunes and witty lyrics. Lecocq's other notable works include "La Petite Mariée" (1867), "La Marjolaine" (1877), and "Les Cent Vierges" (1872). He also wrote several ballets, including "Le Cygne" (1866) and "La Vivandière" (1867). In addition to his work as a composer, Lecocq was also a conductor and music teacher. He served as the conductor of the Théâtre de la Gaîté in Paris from 1872 to 1876 and was later appointed as a professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire. Lecocq's music was popular during his lifetime, but it fell out of favor in the early 20th century. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in his work, and several of his operettas have been revived and recorded. Charles Lecocq died on October 24, 1918, in his hometown of Paris, France. He left behind a legacy of charming and melodic music that continues to delight audiences today.

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