Meyerbeer: Songs, Vol. 2

Giacomo Meyerbeer, born Jacob Liebmann Beer in 1791, was a German opera composer who reigned supreme in the 19th century, shaping the grand opera genre and setting the stage for the future of music drama. Born into a wealthy Jewish family near Berlin, Meyerbeer's compositions, particularly "Robert le diable," "Les Huguenots," and "Le prophète," were sensational hits that captivated audiences and critics alike. His unique style blended German orchestral traditions with Italian vocal techniques, all wrapped in dramatic libretti by Eugène Scribe and enhanced by cutting-edge theater technology. Meyerbeer's influence was immense, inspiring giants like Richard Wagner and maintaining Paris's status as the opera capital of the world. Despite his past fame, Meyerbeer's works are less frequently performed today, making a journey through his compositions a hidden gem for opera enthusiasts.