A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Poise, Ferdinand
POISE, Ferdinand, born at Nîmes, June 3, 1828, as a child showed a turn for music, but was only allowed to adopt it after taking his degree a bachelier-ès-lettres of Paris. He entered the Conservatoire in 1850, and in 1852 gained the second prize for composition, under Adolphe Adam, from whom he derived his taste for easy, flowing melody. 'Bonsoir Voisin,' a pleasing little opera produced at the Theatre Lyrique, Sept. 18, 1853, was followed at the same theatre by 'Les Charmeurs' (March 15, 1855), also a success. He next produced 'Polichinelle' (1856) at the Bouffes Parisiens; and at the Opéra Comique, 'Le Roi Don Pèdre' 2 acts (1857)' 'Le Jardinier Galant,' 2 acts (March 4, 1861); 'Les Absents,' a charming piece in one act (Oct. 26, 1864); 'Corricolo' 3 acts (Nov. 28, 1868); 'Les trois Souhaits' (1873); 'La Surprise de l'Amour,' 2 acts (Oct. 31, 1878); and 'L'Amour Médecin' (Dec. 20, 1880). The two last, arranged by Poise and Monselet from Marivaux and Molière, give a high idea of his powers. He has also composed another pretty little opera, 'Les deux Billets' (1858), revived at the Athenée in Feb. 1870. In their ease and absence of pretension his works resemble those of Adolphe Adam, but there the comparison ends; the latter had a real vein of comedy, while Poise's merriment has the air of being assumed to conceal his inward melancholy. Nevertheless his music is flowing and happy; and being well-scored, and never vulgar, it is listened to with pleasure, and is remembered. It would be more generally popular if M. Poise exerted himself more; but his health is delicate, he lives in retirement, writes only when so disposed, and instead of aspiring to fame and fortune, seeks only to secure his independence, and to enjoy the refined pleasures of music.
[ G. C. ]