Gustave Charpentier (1860–1956) was a distinguished French composer who made a significant mark on the world of opera and orchestral music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Dieuze, he moved to Paris to study at the Paris Conservatoire, where he was a student under Jules Massenet. Charpentier won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1887, which allowed him to study in Italy, and led to a period of development that would heavily influence his later compositions.

Charpentier is best known for his opera "Louise," a realist work set in a working-class milieu of Paris, which premiered in 1900. The opera gained great acclaim for its sensitive depiction of Parisian life and its exploration of societal issues through the lens of personal drama. Perhaps the most famous aria from "Louise" is "Depuis le jour," which has become a favorite showcase for many sopranos, including the legendary Maria Callas, as evidenced in the recordings listed above. While "Louise" remains Charpentier's most celebrated composition, his other works, such as songs, orchestral music, and further operatic endeavors, also contributed to his reputation as a significant composer who embodies the spirit of the French fin de siècle.

It is worth noting that Marc-Antoine Charpentier, a Baroque composer known for his sacred music and instrumental pieces, is sometimes confused with Gustave Charpentier due to their shared last name. The release "Concertos, Sonatas & Suites For Trumpet & Organ" likely refers to works by Marc-Antoine rather than Gustave Charpentier.

Genres

French Opera

French Romanticism

Post-romantic Era

Latest Release

La Divina

Maria Callas•

Amilcare Ponchielli•

Gaetano Donizetti•

Giacomo Puccini•

Gioachino Rossini•

Giuseppe Verdi•

Gustave Charpentier•

Richard Wagner

Album - 34 Tracks - Released December 20, 2023