A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Romeo and Juliet

by George Grove

ROMEO AND JULIET. A subject often set by opera composers; e.g.—

1. Roméo et Juliette; 3 acts; words by de Ségur, music by Steibelt. Feydeau, Paris, Sept. 10, 1793.

2. 'Giulietta e Romeo.' Opera seria in 3 acts, by Zingarelli. Produced at the Scala, Milan, Carnival [App. p.775 "Jan. 30"], 1796. It was one of Napoleon's favourite operas, when Crescentini sang in it.

3. 'Giulietta e Romeo,' by Vaccaj. Produced at the Scala [App. p.775 "the Teatro della Canobbiana"], Milan, spring of 1826 [App. p.775 "Oct. 31, 1825"]; King's Theatre, London, April 10, 1832.

4. 'I Capuletti ed i Montecchi,' in 3 acts; libretto by Romani, music by Bellini. Produced at Venice, March 12 [App. p.775 "11"], 1830. It was written for the two Grisis and Rubini. King's Theatre, London, July 20, 1833.

5. 'Romeo et Juliette,' in 5 acts; words by Barbier and Carre, music by Gounod. Produced at the Thèâtre Lyrique, April 27, 1867. In London, at Covent Garden, in Italian, July 11, 1867.

6. In addition to these it has been made the subject of a work by Berlioz, his 5th Symphony—'Roméo et Juliette. Symphonie dramatique, avec chœurs, solos de chant, et prologue en recitatif choral, op. 17.' Dedicated to Paganini. The words are Berlioz's own, versified by Emil Deschamps. It was composed in 1839, and performed three times consecutively at the Conservatoire. [App. p.775 "Add date of first performance of Berlioz's symphony, Nov. 24, 1839."] In England the First Part (4 numbers) was executed under M. Berlioz's direction at the New Philharmonic Concerts of March 24, and April 28, 1852, and the entire work by the Philharmonic Society (Cusins) March 10, 1881.

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