Adolphe Charles Adam, born on July 24, 1803, in Paris, France, was a prolific composer and music critic renowned for his ballets and operas during the 19th century. The son of a piano teacher, Adam was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire at age 17, where he trained under composers like François-Adrien Boieldieu. Adam's career took flight with his first operatic success in 1825, and he eventually composed around 70 operas, the most notable being "Le postillon de Lonjumeau" which premiered in 1836 and featured the famous 9th high C from the tenor lead.

However, Adolphe Adam's enduring legacy in classical music is perhaps best captured by his work on the ballet "Giselle," which premiered in 1841 and remains a cornerstone of the ballet repertoire to this day. In addition, his Christmas carol "Cantique de Noël," commonly known as "O Holy Night," composed in 1847 to the French poem "Minuit, chrétiens" by Placide Cappeau, has become a beloved staple of holiday music worldwide. Adam's influence extended through his role as a critic and teacher, contributing to the development of French music until his death on May 3, 1856. His masterful sense of melody and his contribution to the romantic era's lyrical opera and ballet repertoire underscore his status as one of France's significant composers.

Genres

Early Romantic Era

French Opera

French Romanticism

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Latest Release

Airs d'opéras français

Adolphe Adam•

Christoph Willibald Gluck•

Daniel Auber•

Gaetano Donizetti•

Georges Bizet•

Gioachino Rossini•

Jean-Baptiste Lully•

Léo Delibes

Album - 14 Tracks - Released August 1, 2024