Andre Gretry

Full biography Andre Gretry

André Ernest Modeste Gretry was a prominent and influential composer who lived from 1741 to 1813. He was born in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège, which is now part of present-day Belgium. In 1767, Gretry moved to France and began his career as a composer of opera.

During his lifetime, Gretry wrote more than 70 operas , which were highly popular and influential in their time. He was known for his innovative musical style, which combined elements of French and Italian opera.

Gretry's most famous works include "Le Tableau Parlant," "Le Magnifique," and "Silvain." His music was also influential in the development of operas comiques, which were popular in the late 18th century.

Apart from opera, Gretry also composed music for ballets and other forms of musical theater. He was particularly known for his collaboration with the writer Charles-Simon Favart, with whom he created several successful operas.

Despite his tremendous success during his lifetime, Gretry's music largely fell out of favor after his death. However, in recent years, there has been renewed interest in his work, as opera companies and audiences rediscover his innovative and highly influential music.

Overall, André Gretry was a highly influential composer of the late 18th century , whose innovative style and contributions to the development of operas comiques continue to be admired and appreciated by music lovers today.