Adam, Adolphe 1803 - 1856
Author: Yokota, Yuki
Last updated：August 1, 2006
Author: Yokota, Yuki
A composer born in Paris, France. His father, Louis Adam, was a pianist and composer from Alsace who gained fame through the support of Gluck. He later served as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire.
Adolphe studied at the Paris Conservatoire from 1817, where his talent was recognized by Boieldieu. In 1825, he won second prize in the Prix de Rome. From 1849, he succeeded his father as a professor of piano at the Paris Conservatoire.
Adam composed as many as 53 operas throughout his life, several of which enhanced his reputation. He also left numerous ballet scores, among which Giselle (1841) achieved great success, continues to be performed to this day, and is regarded as the pinnacle of Romantic ballet.
As evidenced by the number of his operas, Adam was a highly prolific composer. His works for piano include approximately 200 easy pieces, potpourris and fantasias based on opera arias and melodies, arrangements, and adaptations, as well as a Grand Sonata (for pf., vn., vc.) Op. 12 (publication year unknown?), works for harmonium and piano, and works for organ and piano.
Works(26)
Piano Solo (4)
Various works (16)
etc (2)