Ferdinand Herold Program Notes and Sheet Music

Ferdinand Hérold (28 January 1791 – 19 January 1833) was a French composer, one of the leading figures of the opéra comique in the early 19th century.

Hérold was born in Paris to a family of musicians. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where he was a pupil of Jean-François Lesueur. In 1814, he won the Prix de Rome, which enabled him to study in Italy for three years.

After returning to Paris, Hérold began composing operas. His first success was the opéra comique La clochette (1817). He went on to write over 30 operas, including Zampa (1831), Le pré aux clercs (1832), and Ludovic (1833).

Hérold's operas are characterized by their catchy melodies, their lively orchestration, and their witty dialogue. They were immensely popular in their day, and they continue to be performed today.

Hérold died in Paris at the age of 41. He was buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Hérold was a major figure in the development of the opéra comique. His operas were innovative in their use of melody, orchestration, and dialogue. They helped to make the opéra comique one of the most popular genres of opera in the 19th century.