Emile Pessard

Full biography Emile Pessard

Emile Pessard was a French composer born on May 29, 1843, in Paris. He was a prolific composer of comic operas, chamber music, and orchestral works. Pessard studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and later became a professor of harmony at the same institution. He was also a conductor and worked at various theaters in Paris.

Pessard's music was heavily influenced by the French Romantic style, and he became known for his light, witty approach to composition. He wrote several comic operas, including "La Petite Souris" and "Vrai Merlin," which were popular in their time. Pessard's chamber music works include his "Andalouse" for flute and piano, which has become a popular repertoire piece for flutists.

Despite his popularity in his time, Pessard's music fell out of favor in the early 20th century and is not as well-known as some of his contemporaries. However, his contributions to French music in the Romantic era are undeniable, and his work is still performed today.

Pessard passed away on February 10, 1917, in Paris at the age of 73.