Louise

opera by Charpentier

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June 30, 2026

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The opera Louise was composed by Gustave Charpentier and premiered in 1900. It is celebrated for its sentimental realism, depicting the bohemian life in Montmartre, Paris. The opera's enduring popularity stems from its picturesque setting and Charpentier's fine vocal writing, which follows the tradition of Jules Massenet, with mildly Wagnerian orchestration. A sequel, Julien, was less successful. Charpentier also founded a free school for music and dance for working people in 1902.1

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Gustave Charpentier
…best known for his opera Louise.
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…best known for his opera Louise.
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opera
Later opera in France
…day, as was Gustave Charpentier’s Louise (1900; libretto by the composer). The latter has remained in opera house repertories because of its loving, romanticized portrait of bohemian Paris, the sentiment and surface allure, and the popularity of Louise’s hymn to love, “Depuis le jour” (“Since the Day”).
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…day, as was Gustave Charpentier’s Louise (1900; libretto by the composer). The latter has remained in opera house repertories because of its loving, romanticized portrait of bohemian Paris, the sentiment and surface allure, and the popularity of Louise’s hymn to love, “Depuis le jour” (“Since the Day”).
Read More