Jules Massenet

Date of Birth: May 12, 1842

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: August 13, 1912

Biography

Jules Émile Frédéric Massenet was a prominent French composer born on May 12, 1842, in Montaud, a former commune now part of Saint-Étienne, France. He is renowned for his operatic compositions, although he also created orchestral music, ballets, and oratorios. Massenet’s works are characterized by their melodiousness, rich orchestration, and dramatic flair. He entered the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 11, and by 1863, he had won the prestigious Prix de Rome, which allowed him to study in Italy. Massenet’s breakthrough came with the success of his opera “Manon” in 1884, which remains one of his most popular works. He composed over 30 operas during his career, including other notable works such as “Werther,” “Thaïs,” and “Don Quichotte.” His ability to evoke emotional depth and human character through music made his operas particularly beloved. Throughout his life, Massenet was celebrated for his contributions to French music and was appointed as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, where he influenced a new generation of composers. He passed away on August 13, 1912, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be appreciated by audiences worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Jules Massenet

1. Massenet won the Prix de Rome in 1863, a significant achievement that marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

2. His opera “Manon” has been performed more than 2,000 times at the Opéra-Comique in Paris.

3. Massenet was a prolific composer, producing more than 30 operas, as well as ballets, orchestral works, and oratorios.

4. He was a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, where his students included notable composers such as Gustave Charpentier and Reynaldo Hahn.

5. Massenet’s opera “Thaïs” is famous for the “Méditation,” a beautiful intermezzo for violin and orchestra that is frequently performed as a standalone concert piece.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jules Massenet

1. “One must listen to his heart, and above all, one must have great hopes.”

2. “The public is always right; it is the composer who is wrong.”

3. “I am not a man of letters. I am a man of music.”

4. “Art is a kind of illness.”

5. “Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jules Massenet’s highest net worth is not precisely recorded in historical documents, but he achieved significant financial success and recognition during his lifetime, particularly due to the popularity of his operas.