Fromental Halévy, born Jacques-François-Fromental-Élie Halévy on May 27, 1799, in Paris, France, was a prominent 19th-century French composer, best known for his operas. His Jewish origins provided him with the birth name Elie, which later Frenchified into his more commonly known name, Halévy. Though he composed works across various genres, including ballets, chamber music, and orchestral pieces, his operatic work remains his most enduring legacy.

Halévy's most celebrated opera, "La Juive" ("The Jewess"), premiered in 1835 at the Opéra de Paris, and quickly gained acclaim for its melodic richness and dramatic intensity. The story, set in the 15th century, deals with themes of religious intolerance and forbidden love, a reflection of the complex socio-political landscape of the time. "La Juive" stands out in Halévy's repertoire and remains one of the few of his operas that still appear in the 21st-century repertoire, as attested by various recent releases and highlights, including live performances and dedicated collections that bring to life Halévy's intricate composition and operatic storytelling. His influence extended to his students, most notably Georges Bizet, and his work had a notable impact on the development of French Grand Opera. Halévy passed away on March 17, 1862, but his profound contributions to opera continue to resonate with audiences and performers alike.

Genres

Early Romantic Era

French Opera

French Romanticism

Latest Release

La Juive, Act 4: Va prononcer ma Mort (Live)

Fromental Halévy

Single - Released April 1, 2022