Étienne Nicolas Méhul

Étienne Nicolas Méhul, born in 1763 in Givet, Northern France, was a pioneering composer whose works straddled the late classical and early romantic periods. Renowned as the most significant opera composer in France during the Revolution, Méhul's compositions were instrumental in shaping the French operatic tradition. His operas, influenced by the reforms of Gluck and Mozart, showcased his innovative spirit and musical prowess. Méhul was also a notable symphonist, with his works reflecting the revolutionary fervour of his time. As the first composer to be dubbed a 'Romantic', Méhul's legacy endures as a bridge between classical traditions and the romantic era, making his music a captivating journey through a tumultuous and transformative period in history.