Félicien-César David 1810 – 1876

Biography

Félicien-César David was born on April 13, 1810, in the small Provençal town of Cadenet, France. He would go on to become a notable French composer whose work enriched the musical landscape of nineteenth-century Europe. David’s life spanned a transformative period in classical music, one marked by innovation and evolving artistic sensibilities that shaped his creative output throughout his career.

Living through much of the nineteenth century, David devoted himself to the composition of musical works that reflected the artistic movements and tastes of his era. His career developed during a time when French composers were exploring new directions and expanding the boundaries of traditional forms. Though specific details of his personal life remain modest in the historical record, his contributions to French music endured beyond his own lifetime.

David spent his final years in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, an artistic community west of Paris, where he died on August 29, 1876. His remains were laid to rest in Le Pecq, also in the Yvelines region of France. Though the full scope of his influence may not be widely recognized today, Félicien-César David remained a figure of significance in French musical history, representing the creativity and dedication of composers working during the nineteenth century.