Étienne Nicolas Méhul
1763 - 1817
Biography
Étienne Nicolas Méhul (1763–1817) was a French composer whose career bridged the late Classical and early Romantic eras. Born at Givet in the Ardennes, he showed unusual musical ability as a child and received early organ training before moving to Paris in his teens. There he studied further and came under the influence of the operatic reforms associated with Christoph Willibald Gluck.
Méhul became one of the leading French dramatic composers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. His stage works include Euphrosine, Stratonice, Uthal, and Joseph, and he also wrote symphonies, sacred pieces, and patriotic music such as the Chant du départ. His music was admired for dramatic force, clear form, and expressive orchestration.
Nineteenth-century hymnals adapted melodies from secular and sacred concert repertory for congregational use. A tune identified as MEHUL or JOSEPH, derived from Méhul's music, was among the settings used with "When, His salvation bringing" in several late nineteenth-century hymnals.
Méhul became one of the leading French dramatic composers of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. His stage works include Euphrosine, Stratonice, Uthal, and Joseph, and he also wrote symphonies, sacred pieces, and patriotic music such as the Chant du départ. His music was admired for dramatic force, clear form, and expressive orchestration.
Nineteenth-century hymnals adapted melodies from secular and sacred concert repertory for congregational use. A tune identified as MEHUL or JOSEPH, derived from Méhul's music, was among the settings used with "When, His salvation bringing" in several late nineteenth-century hymnals.
Hymns by Étienne Nicolas Méhul
When, His Salvation Bringing
Role: Composer