Le Calife de Bagdad

By Francois-Adrien Boieldieu

Item Number: BF.BM913-SET

Francois-Adrien Boieldieu (1775 - 1834) was a popular French composer with great successes in 'Grand Opera' and 'Opera Comiques'. His popularity resulted in his nickname 'The French Mozart'. Out of almost 40 completed operas, 'Le Calife de Bagdad' and 'La Dame Blanche' remain most widely known. 'Le Calife de Bagdad' was Boieldieus 11th opera, completed in 1800 and an enormous success in Paris. The title suggests presence of Oriental influences, but the music fits entirely in the Western European classical composing tradition. The overture of the opera starts with an optimistic and gracious Andante, followed by a virtuous, energetic Allegro.