Who was André Ernest Modeste Grétry and what is he primarily known for?

André Ernest Modeste Grétry was a composer born in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège (present-day Belgium) who later became a French national. He is most famous for his *opéras comiques*, a genre of French opera characterized by spoken dialogue and musical numbers, often with lighthearted themes.

What were the birth and death years of André Grétry?

André Grétry was baptized on February 11, 1741, and died on September 24, 1813.

Which prominent composers were influenced by Grétry's musical works?

Grétry's music had an influence on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven, both of whom composed variations based on his compositions.

Where was André Grétry born, and what was his father's occupation?

André Grétry was born in Liège, within the Prince-Bishopric of Liège (now Belgium). His father was a musician, described as being poor.

Where did Grétry receive his early musical training as a choirboy?

Grétry began his musical education as a choirboy at the Church of St. Denis in Liège.

Who were Grétry's early teachers in Liège for keyboard, composition, and music mastery?

In Liège, Grétry studied keyboard and composition with Jean-Pantaléon Leclerc and Nicolas Rennekin. He also received instruction from Henri Moreau, who was the music master at the collegiate church of St. Paul.

What practical musical experience in Liège significantly influenced Grétry's decision to study in Italy?

Grétry's desire to complete his musical education in Italy was sparked by attending performances by an Italian opera company, where he heard the operas of masters such as Baldassarre Galuppi and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.

How did Grétry fund his journey to Italy in 1759?

To finance his trip to Italy, Grétry composed a mass in 1759, which he dedicated to the canons of Liège Cathedral. The expense of his journey was covered by Canon Hurley.

How long did Grétry stay in Italy to further his musical education, and under whom did he study?

Grétry resided in Italy for five years, during which time he completed his musical education. In Rome, he studied under Giovanni Battista Casali.

What was the title of Grétry's first successful composition, and where was it performed?

Grétry's first major success was *La vendemmiatrice*, an Italian intermezzo or operetta composed for the Aliberti theatre in Rome, where it received universal applause.

What inspired Grétry to shift his focus to composing French comic operas?

Grétry was inspired to devote himself to French comic opera after a secretary from the French embassy in Rome lent him a score by Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny, influencing his compositional direction.

When did Grétry leave Rome, and what was his route to Paris?

Grétry left Rome on New Year's Day 1767. After a brief stop in Geneva, where he met Voltaire and produced another operetta, he proceeded to Paris.

What difficulties did Grétry encounter in Paris during his first two years there?

In his initial two years in Paris, Grétry faced challenges associated with poverty and obscurity as he worked to establish his career.

Which opera, based on a libretto by Jean-François Marmontel, marked Grétry's significant breakthrough in Paris?

Grétry's breakthrough success occurred with the opera *Le Huron*, which premiered in August 1768. The libretto for this opera was written by Jean-François Marmontel.

What was the immediate impact of the premiere of *Le Huron* on Grétry's career?

The performance of *Le Huron* was met with unparalleled success, which solidified Grétry's reputation and established him as the leading composer of comic opera.

How many operas did Grétry compose throughout his career?

André Grétry composed approximately fifty operas during his prolific career.

Which two operas are highlighted as Grétry's masterpieces?

The operas considered Grétry's masterpieces are *Zémire et Azor*, first performed in 1771, and *Richard Coeur-de-lion*, which premiered in 1784.

What historical event is associated with the song 'O Richard, O mon Roi' from Grétry's opera?

The song 'O Richard, O mon Roi, l'univers t'abandonne' from *Richard Coeur-de-lion* became historically significant when it was sung at a banquet for the Versailles garrison officers on October 3, 1789, a moment contrasted with the revolutionary song *La Marseillaise*.

Who adapted Grétry's opera *Richard Coeur-de-lion* for the English stage?

John Burgoyne was responsible for translating and adapting André Grétry's opera *Richard Coeur-de-lion* for performance on the English stage.

What ancient instrument did Grétry use in his compositions, and for what notable occasion?

Grétry was the first to write for the 'tuba curva,' an instrument historically known as the cornu. He employed this instrument in music composed for the funeral of Voltaire.

Describe the opera-ballet *La caravane du Caire* and its longevity.

*La caravane du Caire*, premiered in 1783, was an opera-ballet by Grétry featuring modest *turquerie* (Turkish-inspired) exoticism, accompanied by harp and triangle. It depicted a rescue adventure and remained in the French repertory for fifty years.

How did Grétry utilize the mandolin in his musical compositions?

Grétry incorporated the mandolin into his compositions, notably in the serenade 'While all are sleeping' from his opera *L'amant jaloux*. Philip J. Bone suggested this use provided a delicate accompaniment for two mandolins.

What were the identified weaknesses in Grétry's musical compositions?

Grétry's compositions were sometimes noted for having flimsy structures in their concerted pieces and feeble instrumentation, which led to the need for other composers to revise the orchestral parts for modern audiences.

How did the French Revolution impact Grétry's standing and recognition?

Despite losing property during the Revolution, Grétry was consistently favored by successive French governments. He received honors from the old court, was appointed inspector of the conservatoire by the Republic, and was awarded the cross of the Légion d'honneur and a pension by Napoleon.

Who were some of Grétry's students in opera composition?

Grétry taught opera composition to several students, including his daughter, Lucile Grétry, and Caroline Wuiet.

Where did André Grétry pass away, and what is the historical significance of this location?

Grétry died at the Hermitage in Montmorency, France. This estate was formerly the residence of the philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

What happened to Grétry's heart after his death?

Fifteen years after Grétry's death, his heart was transferred to his birthplace in Liège, following a protracted legal process to obtain permission.

Where is André Grétry's body interred?

André Grétry's body is buried in Paris, within the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

What is the significance of the bronze statue erected in Liège in 1842?

A large bronze statue of André Grétry was erected in his birthplace of Liège in 1842, serving as a monument to the composer.

Who sculpted the statue of Grétry that is now located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art?

The statue of Grétry, originally commissioned in 1804 by Hippolyte, comte de Livry, and placed in the Opéra Comique in 1809, was sculpted by Jean-Baptiste Stouf. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.

Who was André Grétry's wife, and what was her profession?

André Grétry was married to Jeanne-Marie Grandon, who was a painter.

What does the mention of *turquerie* in relation to *La caravane du Caire* signify?

The term *turquerie* in *La caravane du Caire* indicates the opera's use of modest Turkish-inspired exoticism in its musical and visual elements, supported by accompaniment from instruments like the harp and triangle.

How did Grétry's operas reflect the political atmosphere of the French Revolution era?

Some of Grétry's operas, such as *La rosière républicaine* and *La fête de la raison*, had titles that reflected the revolutionary period. However, these were often considered *pièces de circonstance*, or works created for specific occasions, with republican sentiments that were not always perceived as genuine.

What is the significance of the reference to *Die Entführung aus dem Serail* when discussing *La caravane du Caire*?

The comparison of *La caravane du Caire* to Mozart's *Die Entführung aus dem Serail* suggests that Grétry's opera followed a similar narrative structure, specifically a rescue adventure plot.

What is the general meaning of the term *opéra comique*?

*Opéra comique* is a genre of French opera that typically combines spoken dialogue with musical numbers, often featuring plots that are comic or lighthearted in nature.

What was the nature of Grétry's interaction with Voltaire?

Grétry met Voltaire during a brief stay in Geneva, indicating a personal connection between the composer and the influential Enlightenment writer.

What is the historical connection between the 'tuba curva' and the 'cornu'?

The 'tuba curva' is identified as an instrument that existed from Roman times under the name 'cornu,' suggesting a historical lineage or revival of the same or a similar wind instrument.

What was the role of Count Gustaf Philip Creutz in Grétry's career?

Count Gustaf Philip Creutz, serving as the Swedish ambassador, played a supportive role in Grétry's career by helping him secure a libretto from Jean-François Marmontel, which led to the successful opera *Le Huron*.

What is the significance of the portrait of Grétry by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun?

The portrait of André Grétry, painted in 1785 by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, is a notable depiction of the composer by a renowned artist of the era.

What does the plaque in Geneva commemorate regarding André Grétry?

A plaque located at 29-31 Grand Rue in Geneva serves as a commemoration of André Grétry, marking a location associated with his life or work in the city.

What was the context of the song 'O Richard, O mon Roi' being sung at the Versailles garrison banquet?

The song 'O Richard, O mon Roi' from Grétry's opera *Richard Coeur-de-lion* was sung at a banquet for the Versailles garrison officers on October 3, 1789. This event is historically noted, with Thomas Carlyle describing it as 'fatal,' and it served as a counterpoint to the revolutionary anthem *La Marseillaise*.

Why did Grétry's orchestral parts sometimes need to be rewritten for modern performances?

The instrumentation in some of Grétry's works was considered feeble, which meant that other composers had to rewrite the orchestral parts to make them suitable and appealing for contemporary audiences.

What honors did Napoleon Bonaparte bestow upon André Grétry?

Napoleon Bonaparte recognized André Grétry by granting him the cross of the Légion d'honneur and a pension.

What does the reference to Philip J. Bone's speculation about Grétry and the mandolin imply?

Philip J. Bone speculated that Grétry might have been introduced to the mandolin during his time in Italy. This suggests that Grétry's use of the mandolin in compositions, such as the serenade from *L'amant jaloux*, may have stemmed from this exposure.

What is the purpose of the 'List of operas by André Grétry' mentioned in the article?

The 'List of operas by André Grétry' is a catalog that details all the operatic works composed by André Grétry, providing a comprehensive overview of his output in this genre.

What is the significance of the authority control databases linked at the end of the article?

The authority control databases provide standardized identifiers for André Grétry across various international and national systems. This helps in uniquely identifying the composer and linking to related resources, ensuring data consistency and aiding in research.

What types of external resources are linked in the 'External links' section for Grétry?

The 'External links' section provides access to resources such as Wikimedia Commons for media related to Grétry, the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) for his musical scores, and digitized versions of his works, facilitating further study.

What does the citation needed tag indicate within the article?

A citation needed tag signifies that a particular statement or claim within the article requires verification through references to reliable sources to ensure its accuracy and credibility.

What was the nature of Grétry's influence on Mozart and Beethoven?

Grétry's influence on Mozart and Beethoven is evidenced by the fact that both composers wrote variations on his musical works, demonstrating their engagement with and appreciation for his compositions.

What is the significance of the statue of Grétry by Jean-Baptiste Stouf?

The statue of Grétry by Jean-Baptiste Stouf, originally commissioned in 1804, was first displayed in the Opéra Comique in 1809 and is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, serving as a significant artistic tribute to the composer.

Andr U00e9 Gr U00e9try Wiki: Maestro Grétry: Architect of French Opéra Comique

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Biography

Origins and Early Life

André Ernest Modeste Grétry was born in Liège, within the Prince-Bishopric of Liège (modern-day Belgium). His father was a musician, and Grétry began his musical journey as a choirboy at the church of St. Denis in Liège. His early musical education included studies with Jean-Pantaléon Leclerc and Nicolas Rennekin, focusing on keyboard and composition. However, his practical understanding of music was significantly shaped by attending performances of an Italian opera company, where he encountered the works of composers like Baldassare Galuppi and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.

Italian Sojourn and Musical Development

The exposure to Italian opera inspired Grétry to pursue further studies in Italy. In 1759, he composed a mass dedicated to the canons of Liège Cathedral, and it was through the patronage of Canon Hurley that he traveled to Italy in March of that year. He resided in Rome for five years, diligently completing his musical education under Giovanni Battista Casali. Grétry himself acknowledged that his proficiency in harmony and counterpoint remained at a moderate level, suggesting his strengths lay elsewhere.

Parisian Triumph and Opéra Comique

Grétry's pivotal moment arrived after his move to Paris in 1767. Following a period of initial obscurity, he received a libretto from Jean-François Marmontel. His opera, Le Huron, premiered in August 1768 and achieved unparalleled success, quickly establishing Grétry as a leading composer of French comic opera. Subsequent works like Lucile and Le tableau parlant further solidified his reputation, cementing his place in the Parisian musical scene.

Influence and Recognition

Grétry's influence extended to contemporaries like Mozart and Beethoven, both of whom composed variations on his themes. His opera Richard Coeur-de-lion (1784) gained historical significance when its famous romance, "O Richard, O mon Roi," was sung at a banquet that preceded a major political event during the French Revolution. Despite the political upheavals, Grétry received consistent favor from successive French governments, including recognition from Napoleon Bonaparte, who awarded him the cross of the Legion of Honour.

Notable Operas

Masterpieces of Opéra Comique

Grétry composed approximately fifty operas, with several standing out as his most significant contributions to the genre of opéra comique. These works are celebrated for their melodic invention, character delineation, and expression of sentiment.

Le Huron (1767): His breakthrough Parisian success.
Lucile (1769)
Le tableau parlant (1769)
Zémire et Azor (1771): A notable work showcasing his melodic gifts.
Richard Coeur-de-lion (1784): His most enduring opera, known for its historical resonance and popular romance.

Instrumental Innovations

Grétry was known for his engagement with contemporary musical instruments and techniques. He notably utilized the "tuba curva," an ancient horn instrument, in music composed for Voltaire's funeral. Furthermore, his opera L'amant jaloux features a serenade that prominently uses the mandolin, demonstrating his interest in incorporating varied timbres into his orchestral palette. His opera-ballet La caravane du Caire (1783) also incorporated modest exoticism with harp and triangle accompaniment.

Compositional Style and Legacy

Grétry's genuine strength lay in his ability to capture character and express tender sentiments, which resonated deeply with French audiences. While his harmonic and contrapuntal structures were sometimes considered less robust compared to his contemporaries, his operas were immensely popular. His compositions often reflected the spirit of the times, with titles like La rosière républicaine appearing during the French Revolution. His work laid foundational elements for the development of French opera.

Scholarly Works & Notes

Key Biographies and Studies

The study of André Grétry's life and work has been undertaken by numerous scholars. Significant biographical and critical works provide deeper insight into his career and contributions to music history.

Michel Brenet, Vie de Grétry (Paris, 1884)
Joach. le Breton, Notice historique sur la vie et les ouvrages de Grétry (Paris, 1814)
A. Grétry (nephew), Grétry en famille (Paris, 1814)
Felix van Hulst, Grétry (Liège, 1842)
L. D. S. Notice biographique sur Grétry (Brussels, 1869)
David Charlton, Grétry and the Growth of Opéra-Comique (Cambridge, 1986)

References

Source Citations

The information presented here is derived from the following sources, with specific citations noted throughout the text.

David Charlton, Grétry and the Growth of Opéra Comique (Cambridge University Press, 1986), p. 19
Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Grétry, André Ernest Modeste". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 12 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 583–584.
Grove's Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 5th ed, 1954.
Philip J. Bone, The guitar and mandolin, Biographies of celebrated players and composers for these instruments, Schott and Company, London, 1914
James David Draper (May 1970). "A Statue of the Composer Grétry by Jean-Baptiste Stouf". The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin. pp. 377–387.
James David Draper (May 1974). "Grétry Encore: A Portrait Drawing by François Dumont". Metropolitan Museum Journal. pp. 233–235.

Further Exploration

Online Resources

For continued study and deeper engagement with the works and life of André Grétry, the following external resources are recommended:

Media related to André Grétry at Wikimedia Commons
Free scores by Grétry at the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP)
L'ami de la maison : comédie en trois actes et en vers mêlée d'ariettes, 1775 publication, digitized by BYU on archive.org

Authority Control

Standardized Identifiers

These identifiers ensure consistency and aid in the retrieval of information across various databases and scholarly resources.

International: ISNI, VIAF, FAST, WorldCat
National: Germany (GND), United States (Loc.gov), France (BnF data), Japan (NDLNA), Italy (SBN), Czech Republic (NKC), Spain (BNE), Portugal (BNP), Netherlands (KB), Latvia (LNC), Korea (NLK), Sweden (Libris), Poland (NBP), Vatican (VatLib), Israel (NLI), Finland (Finaf), Belgium (KBR)
Academics: CiNii
Artists: MusicBrainz, Discography of American Historical Recordings, FID
People: BMLO, Trove, DeutscheBiographie, DDB
Other: IdRef, SNAC, RISM, Yale LUX

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the André Grétry Wikipedia page

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This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, providing a structured overview of André Grétry's life and work for students pursuing higher education.

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Maestro Grétry

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Biography 📜

📍 Origins and Early Life

🇮🇹 Italian Sojourn and Musical Development

🇫🇷 Parisian Triumph and Opéra Comique

🏛️ Influence and Recognition

Notable Operas 🎭

🌟 Masterpieces of Opéra Comique

🎶 Instrumental Innovations

🎼 Compositional Style and Legacy

Scholarly Works & Notes 📚

📖 Key Biographies and Studies

References 🔗

📝 Source Citations

Further Exploration 🌐

💡 Online Resources

Authority Control 🗂️

🏛️ Standardized Identifiers

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Biography

Origins and Early Life

Italian Sojourn and Musical Development

Parisian Triumph and Opéra Comique

Influence and Recognition

Notable Operas

Masterpieces of Opéra Comique

Instrumental Innovations

Compositional Style and Legacy

Scholarly Works & Notes

Key Biographies and Studies

References

Source Citations

Further Exploration

Online Resources

Authority Control

Standardized Identifiers

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Academic Integrity and AI Usage