André Messager

André Messager.
André Messager (30 December 1853 – 24 February 1929) was a French composer and conductor, whose best-known works are the ballet Les Deux Pigeons (1886) and the opéra comique Véronique (1898). His successes span the period from the late 19th century (Les p'tites Michu, 1897) to early 20th century (Monsieur Beaucaire, 1919), including musical comedies with Sacha Guitry and Yvonne Printemps. Many of his works were also produced in the West End and some on Broadway, some with long runs and numerous international revivals. Messager became a major figure in the musical life of Paris and then London, as a composer and as a prominent conductor in the concert hall and opera house, leading the Paris Opéra, among others. His music was known for its melodic and orchestral invention, musical craftsmanship, and characteristically French elegance and grace. Although most of his works have been infrequently revived, historians of music consider him the last major figure in French opéra comique and opérette.