Artist Information for Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny

Name: Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny

Followers: 181

Monthly Listeners: 1,686

Top Cities:

• Paris, FR (9 listeners)
• Toronto, CA (3 listeners)
• Amsterdam, NL (3 listeners)
• Madrid, ES (3 listeners)
• Mexico City, MX (3 listeners)

Biography:
After the death of his father Monsigny had to provide for his family. In his work for the Clerge de France he met the Duke of Orleans who loved theatrical pieces. Through this acquaintance with the duke, Monsigny met Colle and Carmontelle whom he collaborated with on many light operas. He had begun to learn the violin in his youth and was placed in charge of organizing the theatre for the duke. Monsigny did not feel adept at this task and became the pupil of Gianotti the double-bassist in the orchestra of the Opera. "Les aveux indiscrets" (1759) was his first score and the debut was successful. In association with Sedaine Monsigny composed "On ne s'avise jamais de tout" (1761) which established a series of successful collaborations. Though noted for his lighter comic operas Monsigny was able to surprise the audience on occasion with such comic operas as "Le roy et le fermier" (1762) characterized by depth and unique conventions. The light operas which he composed also became noted for their social and political commentary. The only Grand Opera which he composed was "Aline, reine de Golconde" (1766). By 1768 Monsigny was in the employ of the Duke of Orleans under whose patronage he composed a number of operas which unified drama and music. After his composition of "Felix ou L'enfant trouve" (1777) Monsigny no longer composed. Though the times of revolution deprived him of his means and certain pensions, his name and place in the history of music, particularly in France, were restored. Monsigny was awarded the Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur after being named the Inspector of Musical Education. Tendencies within his music demonstrated a progresive style particularly in his artistic instrumentation and his use of diminished 7th chords at the height of dramatic moments. Within his compositions a demonstrated feeling for color and emotional emphasis within the content of the orchestra was apparent. The combination of these abilities made Monsigny a precursor to the French comic opera composers like Auber, Bizet and Massenet. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi