Famous Composers and Their Music, Vol. 5: Extra Illustrated Edition of 1901 (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Excerpt from Famous Composers and Their Music, Vol. 5: Extra Illustrated Edition of 1901

The first work that Auber submitted to public judgment was a comic opera in one act, entitled Le Séjour Militaire, which was produced at the Theatre Feydeau in 1813. Auber was then thirty two years old. This piece was not his first attempt in theatrical work, however; for he had previously written a comic opera for the Prince de Chimay, and before this, still another work for a small orchestra, which was represented in an amateur theatre. He had also composed a Mass, with orchestra, in which occurred the admirable chant which he used at a later date in the famous prayer in his masterpiece, La Muette de Portici. Le Séjour Militaire may be regarded merely as mark ing a date in the biography of the French composer. This piece, of somewhat doubtful buffoonery, passed unnoticed by the general public. Indeed the musi eian himself was very slightly impressed with it, being but imperfectly inspired when he wrote it. Nevertheless a writer then celebrated, M. Martin ville, discovered in this score several pretty moz'zfs and a great deal of wit.

From 1813 to 1819 Auber remained silent, and it might have been thought that he had ceased to exist. What became of him during this long period? He still continued to appear in society and, when in the humor, to write as an amateur fugitive pieces of music set to subjects of the same character. He asked dramatic poets to write pieces for him, but they were not very anxious to do so after the failure of Le Séjour Militaire.

About this time the composer's father died, leav ing a widow and two sons without fortune. During this period, when the eminent musician that was to be was still pursuing his studies, he found himself face to face with pecuniary difficulties; but he sup ported them bravely, never complaining.

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