Lucile Grétry facts for kids
Lucile Grétry (born July 15, 1772 – died March 1790) was a talented French composer. She was the second daughter of the famous composer André Grétry and the artist Jeanne-Marie Grandon. Lucile learned music from her father.
He introduced her to the royal court at the Palace of Versailles. There, she met Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France. Lucile Grétry wrote two opéras comiques, which are light operas with spoken dialogue. She wrote them for the Comédie-Italienne theatre in Paris.
A Young Composer's Start
Lucile showed great musical talent from a young age. Her father, André Grétry, was a very well-known composer. He taught her everything he knew about music. This early training helped her become a composer herself.
Being introduced to the court at Versailles was a big deal. It meant she met important people, including the Queen. This connection helped her get her music performed.
Her Operas
Lucile Grétry wrote her first opera, Le mariage d’Antonio (Antonio's Marriage), in 1786. She was only fourteen years old at the time! This opera was a follow-up to her father's famous work, Richard Coeur-de-lion.
Le mariage d’Antonio was very popular. It was performed 47 times! Her father helped her with the music for the orchestra. This is called "orchestral scoring."
Her second opera was Toinette et Louis, written in 1787. Unfortunately, this opera was not successful. It was performed only once.
A Life Cut Short
Lucile Grétry's personal life was difficult after her marriage. Sadly, her promising career ended too soon. She passed away at the age of seventeen. She died from tuberculosis, a serious illness.
Despite her short life, Lucile Grétry left her mark as a young female composer. She showed great talent and potential.
List of Operas
- Le mariage d'Antonio (Antonio's Marriage) – This was a comédie mêlée d'ariettes. It premiered on July 29, 1786. The story was written by Alexandre-Louis Robineau.
- Toinette et Louis – This was a divertissement mêlée d'ariettes. It premiered and was performed only once on March 22, 1787. Both the music and the story for this opera are now lost.
