Daniel Auber, French composer (d. 1871)

Daniel-François-Esprit Auber (French: [danjɛl fʁɑ̃swa ɛsprɛ obɛːʁ]; 29 January 1782 – 12 May 1871) stands as a monumental figure in 19th-century French music. Widely celebrated as a highly influential composer, he also held the esteemed directorship of the Paris Conservatoire for nearly three decades, solidifying his impact on the future generations of French musicians. His prolific career spanned from the Napoleonic era through the tumultuous period of the Paris Commune, reflecting the rich tapestry of his time.

Early Life and the Catalyst for a Professional Career

Born into an artistically inclined family in Caen, Normandy, Daniel-François-Esprit Auber’s father was a prosperous print-seller, allowing Auber to initially pursue music as an amateur. His early compositions, which included violin concertos and chamber music, demonstrated his innate talent. However, the year 1820 marked a pivotal turn in his life: the unfortunate failure of his family's fortunes necessitated a professional pursuit of music. This financial imperative led him to embrace opera composition as a full-time vocation, a decision that would profoundly shape French musical history.

The Enduring Partnership with Eugène Scribe

Auber's professional trajectory was largely defined by his extraordinary and exceptionally prolific partnership with the renowned librettist Eugène Scribe (1791–1861). This remarkable collaboration, which commenced shortly after 1820 and endured for an impressive 41 years until Scribe's death in 1861, yielded an astonishing 39 operas. Scribe, a master of theatrical craft and narrative, provided the intricate dramatic frameworks, while Auber infused them with his distinctive musical genius. The overwhelming majority of these works achieved both significant commercial success and widespread critical acclaim, establishing them as leading figures in Parisian theatrical life.

Master of Opéra-Comique

While Auber’s repertoire was diverse, he is primarily and most widely associated with the genre of opéra-comique. He composed a remarkable 35 works within this genre, demonstrating his profound mastery. Unlike its literal translation, opéra-comique in 19th-century France did not strictly mean "comic opera"; rather, it was characterized by the inclusion of spoken dialogue interspersed with musical numbers, distinguishing it from the through-composed grand opéra. Auber’s opéra-comiques ranged from light-hearted comedies to serious dramas, captivating audiences with their melodic charm, dramatic pacing, and often picturesque settings. Notable examples include Fra Diavolo (1830), a bandit romance, and Le domino noir (1837), a popular tale of mistaken identity and intrigue.

Pioneering French Grand Opéra: La Muette de Portici

Beyond opéra-comique, Auber, in collaboration with Scribe, played a foundational role in the development of grand opéra. Their landmark work, La Muette de Portici (The Dumb Woman of Portici), premiered on February 29, 1828, at the Paris Opéra, is universally recognized as the first true French grand opéra. This genre was characterized by its monumental scale, historical or mythological subjects, five acts, extensive use of chorus and ballet, and spectacular staging. La Muette de Portici, with its revolutionary themes of rebellion and freedom, not only set the template for this dramatic new form but also famously ignited the Belgian Revolution of 1830 when its performance in Brussels on August 25, 1830, sparked riots. Its success directly paved the way for the colossal, large-scale operatic works of Giacomo Meyerbeer, such as Robert le diable and Les Huguenots, firmly establishing Paris as the operatic capital of Europe.

Distinguished Official Musical Posts

Auber's influence extended beyond composition into significant administrative roles within the French musical establishment. He held two exceptionally important official musical posts:

• From 1842 until his death in 1871, he served as the esteemed Director of France's premier music academy, the Paris Conservatoire. During his nearly three-decade tenure, Auber was instrumental in expanding and modernizing the institution, overseeing curriculum reforms, improving facilities, and nurturing countless future musicians, ensuring its continued prominence as a global center for musical education.
• From 1852 until the collapse of the Second Empire in 1870, he also held the prestigious position of Director of the Imperial Chapel in the Louvre. For this role, he composed a substantial number of liturgical works and other sacred music, including masses, motets, and cantatas, further showcasing his versatility and dedication to various musical forms.

Final Years Amidst Tumult: A Devotion to Paris

Auber's unwavering devotion to his beloved Paris defined his final years. Even as the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871) plunged the city into crisis, leading to the devastating Siege of Paris and the subsequent radical uprising of the Paris Commune, Auber steadfastly refused to evacuate. Despite the immense hardship, food shortages, and violence that gripped the capital, he chose to remain in his home. He passed away peacefully in his Paris residence on May 12, 1871, at the venerable age of 89, just weeks before the French government ultimately regained control of the city from the Commune. His death during this period of intense national upheaval underscores his profound attachment to the city he had so long enriched with his music.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Daniel-François-Esprit Auber

What was Daniel-François-Esprit Auber primarily known for?

Auber was primarily known as a highly influential French composer, particularly for his significant contributions to opéra-comique and his pioneering role in the development of grand opéra. He also notably served as the long-standing director of the Paris Conservatoire.

Who was Eugène Scribe and what was his relationship with Auber?

Eugène Scribe was one of the most prolific and influential French librettists of the 19th century. He formed an exceptionally successful and enduring professional partnership with Auber, collaborating on 39 operas over 41 years, including the groundbreaking La Muette de Portici.

What is the significance of La Muette de Portici?

La Muette de Portici (1828), co-written with Scribe, is celebrated as the first French grand opéra. Its large scale, historical themes, and dramatic impact, including famously inciting riots in Brussels that contributed to the Belgian Revolution, set a new standard for the genre and heavily influenced subsequent composers like Giacomo Meyerbeer.

What official musical positions did Auber hold?

Daniel-François-Esprit Auber held two prominent official roles: he was the Director of the Paris Conservatoire from 1842 to 1871, and the Director of the Imperial Chapel in the Louvre from 1852 to 1870, for which he composed numerous religious works.

When and how did Auber's professional composing career begin?

Auber transitioned from an amateur composer to a professional one around 1820. This shift was prompted by the financial collapse of his family's fortunes, which necessitated a reliable source of income, leading him to fully commit to writing operas.