André Wormser
André Wormser | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Paris, France |
| Died | November 4, 1926 (aged 75) Paris, France |
| Occupation | Composer |
| Known for | L'Enfant prodigue, Prix de Rome winner |
André Alphonse Toussaint Wormser (1 November 1851 – 4 November 1926) was a French composer associated with the Romantic era.
Life and career
Wormser was born in Paris and received his musical education at the Paris Conservatoire, studying under Antoine François Marmontel and François Bazin (composer). Coming from a wealthy background, he was a member of the Cercle artistique et littéraire, an exclusive social organization.
In 1872, he earned the Premier Prix in piano at the Conservatoire, followed by winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1875 for his cantata Clytemnestre. His most recognized work is the pantomime L'Enfant prodigue (1890), which enjoyed extensive performances across Europe and was later revived in 1916 at New York's Booth Theater under the title Pierrot the Prodigal, presented as a three-act play. Wormser passed away in Paris.
Among his notable pupils was Charles Malherbe.
Works
Wormser's compositions span choral and orchestral pieces, operas, and solo instrumental and vocal works. Significant compositions include:
- L'Enfant prodigue, pantomime (1890; libretto by Michel Carré)
- L'Étoile, ballet-pantomime in two acts (Opéra, Paris, 31 May 1897; choreography by Joseph Hansen)
- Ballada for Oboe and Piano (1909)
- Clytemnestre, cantata (1897)
- Rêverie (Gypsy Suite) for violin and piano
- Adèle de Ponthieu, opera (1887)
- Rivoli, opera (1896)