Composer

Jules Massenet

1842 — 1912

About

Concerts and Operas

Hera Hyesang Park: Breathe

Teatro Colón

Concert99 Min

Waldbühne 2006: 1,001 Nights – with Neeme Järvi & Janine Jansen

Berliner Philharmoniker

Concert112 Min

Musical Moment: Jonathan Tetelman sings Opera and Song

Tanzsaal an der Panke

Concert38 Min

Rising Stars: Emily Pogorelc, Soprano

Tanzsaal an der Panke

Concert60 Min

Benjamin Bernheim: Boulevard des Italiens

Opéra de Paris

Concert46 Min

Pretty Yende & Nadine Sierra in Concert

Philharmonie de Paris

Concert110 Min

Albums

Hahn & Massenet: Piano Concertos (Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto 15)

Stephen Coombs, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Jean-Yves Ossonce

Appears On

Karajan A-Z: Mascagni - Mendelssohn

Herbert von Karajan

Breathe

Hera Hyesang Park, Orchestra del Teatro Carlo Felice, Jochen Rieder

Her Greatest Moments at the MET

Renée Fleming, The Metropolitan Opera

Song

Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Arias

Jonathan Tetelman, Orquesta Filarmónica De Gran Canaria, Karel Mark Chichon

Voice Of Hope

Camille Thomas, Brussels Philharmonic, Stéphane Denève, Mathieu Herzog

Belle Époque

Daniel Hope

Benjamin Bernheim

Benjamin Bernheim, PKF – Prague Philharmonia, Emmanuel Villaume

Short Videos

FREE

Massenet: Pourquoi me réveiller, ô souffle du printemps?

Benjamin Bernheim

Short4 Min

About

Jules Massenet

As composer of over thirty operas, Jules Massenet was one of the most energetic and influential figures in French music during the belle-époque, and he's still a commanding presence in the French operatic repertoire. Born in the rural Loire valley, he was trained at the Paris Conservatoire, where – as a student – he won the admiration of Berlioz and supplemented his income by playing percussion and piano in the city's theatres. His first major success, the grand opera Le Roi de Lahore (1877) was performed across France and Europe, and in subsequent operas including Manon (1884), Werther (1892), Thaïs (1894), Cendrillon (1899) and Chérubin (1905) he refined a style characterised by colourful orchestration, superbly crafted vocal melodies and a knack for creating an (often sensuous) atmosphere with the most graceful of musical means. Despite accusations of sentimentality, many of Massenet's operas have proved enduringly popular, with individual numbers (such as the instrumental Méditation from Thaïs) becoming favourites in their own right. Orchestral suites, incidental music, cantatas and a substantial body of exquisitely wrought solo songs also flowed from Massenet's pen, and his later years were prosperous. And although some younger French composers saw his polished style as something to react against, others were quick to take inspiration from his unmistakably Gallic blend of melody, elegance and ardour.

Celebrating the Musical Genius of Jules Massenet

Jules Massenet (1842–1912) stands as one of the most prolific and influential French composers of the belle époque, renowned for his mastery of orchestration, sensuous melodies, and dramatic storytelling in over thirty operas. His works, such as Manon (1884), Werther (1892), Thaïs (1894), Cendrillon (1899), and Chérubin (1905), continue to captivate audiences worldwide and remain staples of the French operatic repertoire.

Born in the rural Loire Valley, Massenet was admitted to the prestigious Paris Conservatoire, where he studied under Ambroise Thomas. To support himself, he played percussion and piano in Parisian theatres, highlighting both his talent and dedication. His first major operatic triumph, Le Roi de Lahore (1877), brought him international acclaim and established his reputation as a leading figure in French music.

Massenet's Impact and Influence on French Music

Massenet’s compositions are celebrated for their lyrical melodies, lush orchestration, and ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere. Works like the "Méditation" from Thaïs are beloved as standalone pieces, transcending their operatic origins. Despite some contemporary criticism for sentimentality, Massenet’s music endures due to its elegance, beauty, and skillful vocal writing.

The Enduring Popularity of Massenet's Operas

Massenet's operas continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Notable events include performances by leading artists and orchestras, showcasing the enduring appeal of Massenet’s arias among today’s top sopranos. For instance, "Pretty Yende & Nadine Sierra in Concert" and "Benjamin Bernheim: Boulevard des Italiens" feature modern interpretations of French repertoire, including Massenet’s works.

Massenet's Signature Style: Melody, Elegance, and Ardour

Massenet's style is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush orchestration, and ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere. These elements are not only present in his operas but also in his orchestral suites and other compositions. His music transcends its operatic origins and is celebrated for its elegance, beauty, and skillful vocal writing.

The Success and Legacy of Jules Massenet

The current musical landscape continues to celebrate Massenet’s legacy. His works remain staples of the French operatic repertoire and are performed by leading artists and orchestras worldwide. His influence on French music during the belle-époque is undeniable, and his compositions continue to captivate audiences with their melody, elegance, and ardour.