Eugene Cormon French playwright Date of Birth: 05.05.1811 Country: France

1. Eugène Cornu, the Master of French Drama
2. Early Life and Career
3. Honors and Legacy
4. Collaboration with Bizet
5. "Les Deux Orphelines"
6. Enduring Impact

Eugène Cornu, the Master of French Drama

Eugène Cornu, better known by his pseudonym Edmond About, was a prolific French playwright whose vast repertoire of plays and vaudevilles graced the stages of countless French theaters. His works were not only translated into Russian but also adapted and performed extensively in Russia.

Early Life and Career

From the outset of his creative journey to its very end, Eugène Cornu adopted the alias "Cormon," his mother's maiden name. As Cormon, he penned approximately 200 dramatic pieces, often collaborating with other writers. From 1859 to 1871, he held the position of director at the Opéra de Paris, where he composed numerous librettos for operas and musical vaudevilles. His librettos attracted the attention of renowned composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Georges Bizet. By 1874, he had also assumed the role of administrator at the Théâtre des Variétés in Paris.

Honors and Legacy

In recognition of his contributions to the arts, Cormon was bestowed with the prestigious Legion of Honour in 1860. His drama "Philippe II, Roi d'Espagne," written in 1846, later served as the foundation for a scene in Verdi's opera "Don Carlo."

Collaboration with Bizet

Cormon's collaboration with Michel Carré produced the libretto for Georges Bizet's acclaimed opera "The Pearl Fishers" (1863). Despite the speedy and arguably hasty nature of its composition, the libretto became an enduring masterpiece. Cormon and Carré later acknowledged their initial lack of enthusiasm for the project, attributing it to their underestimation of Bizet's talent.

"Les Deux Orphelines"

One of Cormon's most celebrated works is the five-act drama "Les Deux Orphelines" (1874), co-authored with Adolphe d'Ennery. Premiering at the Théâtre de la Porte Saint-Martin, it quickly gained recognition as a classic of French literature. In 1927, a production based on the play was staged in Moscow under the title "Sisters Gerard." The Moscow Art Theatre, led by Stanislavski, produced the adaptation, which featured a young Angeline Stepanova in the pivotal role of Henriette. "Les Deux Orphelines" has also been adapted into several films.

Enduring Impact

While Cormon's overall body of work may not have attained the heights of classicism, his plays and librettos nevertheless played a significant role in French theatrical culture. They reflected the tastes and desires of audiences during his era, and some of the operas featuring his librettos have secured a permanent place among the world's greatest masterpieces. Cormon's legacy lives on, particularly in Russia, where many of his vaudevilles were translated and performed by renowned Russian actors.