Membrée, Edmond

1820-1882

 

Dramatic composer and teacher; was born at Valenciennes, France. At the Paris Conservatory he studied piano under Alkan and Zimmermann, composition under Carafa and harmony under Dourlen. He became a teacher of music, was made president of the Society of Musical Amateurs, and in 1876 was decorated with the cross of the Legion of Honor. Among his writings are his operas, L'esclave, François Villon, La fille de Torfevre, Les Farias, La Court echelle, Le moine rouge, Freyghor, and Colomba, which last two he did not finish. He has written also the two cantatas, Polytheme et Galatee, and Fingal, as well as the music of the choruses of y3dipe roi; some ballads and chansons.