Jules Barbier was a French librettist, poet, and playwright, best known for his collaborations with composer Jacques Offenbach and other prominent 19th-century composers such as Charles Gounod. Born on March 8, 1825, in Paris, Barbier's literary career was notably marked by his partnership with Michel Carré, with whom he co-wrote several librettos for operas.

Barbier and Carré's perhaps most enduring work is the libretto for Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" (The Tales of Hoffmann), which is based on stories by E.T.A. Hoffmann. This opera fantastique remains a staple of the operatic repertoire and showcases Barbier's talent for weaving complex, emotional narratives. His body of work is celebrated for its poetic quality and its ability to complement and enhance the music for which it was written. Jules Barbier's contribution to opera has ensured that his work continues to be performed and recorded well into the 21st century, evidencing his lasting impact on the genre. He passed away on January 16, 1901, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the opera world.

Genres

Classical

Opera

French Opera

Latest Release

Offenbach: Hoffmanns Erzählungen [Sung in German]

Jacques Offenbach•

Jules Barbier•

Michel Carre

Album - 46 Tracks - Released March 11, 2013