 |
Mathurin-Auguste-Balthazar BarbereauFrench composer, conductor and musicologist.
Date of Birth: 14.11.1799
Country:  France |
Content:
- Étienne Nicolas Méhul: French Composer, Conductor, and Musicologist
- Composing Success and Parisian Career
- Transition to Conducting and Opera Composition
- Musical Scholarship and Teaching
- Appointment to Paris Conservatory
Étienne Nicolas Méhul: French Composer, Conductor, and Musicologist
Early Life and EducationÉtienne Nicolas Méhul (1763-1817) was a renowned French composer, conductor, and musicologist. He entered the Paris Conservatory in 1813, studying under the tutelage of Antonin Reicha.
Composing Success and Parisian Career
For many years, Méhul participated in the composition contest for the Prix de Rome. Finally, in 1824, he received the prestigious award for his cantata "Agnes Sorel." Upon his return from Italy, he became first violinist at the Paris Opera.
Transition to Conducting and Opera Composition
In 1830, Méhul abandoned his performing career for conducting. He led orchestras at various Parisian theaters, including the Théâtre des Nouveautés. In 1831, he co-composed the opera "Les Sybarites de Florence ou les Francs-Maçons" with Léopold Émon.
Musical Scholarship and Teaching
Méhul's passion extended beyond composition and conducting. He published a three-volume treatise on music composition in 1845 and embarked on a series of studies on the origins of musical systems, of which only the first volume was published in 1852.
Appointment to Paris Conservatory
In 1871, Méhul's former student Ambroise Thomas, who headed the Paris Conservatory, invited him to teach composition. A year later, Méhul became the first professor of music history in the conservatory's history. However, his limited oratory skills hindered his teaching and led to his eventual resignation.
