Jules Massenet
French composer of operas, several premiered by the Opéra-Comique.
Jules Massenet (1842–1912) was a French composer. Several of his operas were premiered by the Opéra-Comique in Paris, first at the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), followed by the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and then the third Salle Favart (Favart 3).
- born
- 12 May 1842
- died
- 13 August 1912
- field
- Composer
- nationality
- French
- known_for
- Operas, particularly Manon and Werther
Lore & Background
Massenet's operas were staged by the Opéra-Comique at three different Paris venues: the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and the third Salle Favart (Favart 3). The source provides a complete list of his operas but does not give further biographical details, dates, or descriptions of his life or career.
Reader's Guide
The source lists all of Massenet's operas but offers no information about their content, reception, or performance history beyond the venues used by the Opéra-Comique. For details on individual works, consult the full list in the source.
Did You Know?
- Several of Massenet's operas were premiered by the Opéra-Comique in Paris.
- The Opéra-Comique used three different venues for Massenet premieres: the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and the third Salle Favart (Favart 3).
- The source provides a complete list of operas by Jules Massenet.
- Massenet was born in 1842 and died in 1912.
A Prolific Stage Career
The source states that Massenet's operas were premiered by the Opéra-Comique at three specific Parisian venues: the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and the third Salle Favart (Favart 3). No other details about his stage career are provided.
Formative Years and the Prix de Rome
The source does not cover Massenet's formative years, education, or the Prix de Rome. It only lists his operas and their premiere venues.
Reassessment and Lasting Reputation
The source does not discuss the critical reception, neglect, or reassessment of Massenet's works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jules Massenet?
Jules Massenet was a French composer active during the Romantic period, widely recognized as one of the most prolific opera writers of his generation. He lived from 1842 to 1912 and left behind a vast body of stage and concert music.
What are Massenet's most famous operas?
His two most frequently performed operas are Manon (1884) and Werther (1892), both of which remain staples of the international opera repertoire. These two works are what most audiences and scholars associate with his name.
How many operas did Massenet write?
Massenet composed more than thirty operas over the course of his career, making him one of the most prolific French stage composers of the late nineteenth century. Despite this large output, only a handful are regularly staged today.
What musical period is Massenet associated with?
He is firmly placed within the French Romantic tradition, composing during the latter half of the nineteenth century. His melodic, emotionally direct style reflects the broader Romantic emphasis on expressive vocal writing.
Did Massenet compose anything besides operas?
Yes—his output extended well beyond the opera stage to include oratorios, ballets, orchestral works, incidental music, piano pieces, and art songs. This breadth makes him one of the more versatile French composers of his era.
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