A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Planché, James

by George Grove

PLANCHÉ, James Robinson, of French descent, born in London Feb. 27, 1796; made Rouge Croix Pursuivant of Arms 1854, and Somerset Herald 1866; died in London, May 30, 1880. Mr. Planché's many dramas and extravaganzas do not call for notice in these pages; but he requires mention as the author of the librettos 'Maid Marian, or the Huntress of Harlingford, an Historical Opera,' for Bishop (Covent Garden, Dec. 3, 1822), and 'Oberon, or The Elf-King's Romantic and Fairy Opera,' for Weber (Covent Garden, April 12, 1826). In 1838 he wrote for Messrs. Chappell a libretto founded on the Siege of Calais by Edward III., with a view to its being set by Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn however was not satisfied with the book, and it was ultimately transferred to Mr. Henry Smart, by whom a large portion was composed. The correspondence between Mendelssohn and Planché may be read in the Autobiography of the latter (1872; chap. 21).

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