Jules Massenet
French composer of operas, several premiered by the Opéra-Comique.
Last updated
Eugène Pirou (1841-1909). Photographer Restored by Adam Cuerden · via Wikipedia: Jules Massenet · Public domain
Jules Massenet (1842–1912) was a French composer. Several of his operas were premiered by the Opéra-Comique in Paris, first at the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), followed by the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and then the third Salle Favart (Favart 3).
Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 12 May 1842
- Died
- 13 August 1912
- Field
- Composer
- Nationality
- French
- Known for
- Operas, particularly Manon and Werther
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Massenet's operas were staged by the Opéra-Comique at three different Paris venues: the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and the third Salle Favart (Favart 3).
A Prolific Stage Career
The source states that Massenet's operas were premiered by the Opéra-Comique at three specific Parisian venues: the second Salle Favart (Favart 2), the Théâtre Lyrique on the Place du Châtelet (Lyrique), and the third Salle Favart (Favart 3). No other details about his stage career are provided.
Formative Years and the Prix de Rome
It only lists his operas and their premiere venues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jules Massenet?
Jules Massenet was a French composer active during the Romantic period, widely recognized as one of the most prolific opera writers of his generation. He lived from 1842 to 1912 and left behind a vast body of stage and concert music.
What are Massenet's most famous operas?
His two most frequently performed operas are Manon (1884) and Werther (1892), both of which remain staples of the international opera repertoire. These two works are what most audiences and scholars associate with his name.
How many operas did Massenet write?
Massenet composed more than thirty operas over the course of his career, making him one of the most prolific French stage composers of the late nineteenth century. Despite this large output, only a handful are regularly staged today.
Did Massenet compose anything besides operas?
Yes—his output extended well beyond the opera stage to include oratorios, ballets, orchestral works, incidental music, piano pieces, and art songs. This breadth makes him one of the more versatile French composers of his era.
More in Opera Composers
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Jules Massenet (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced