Édouard Monnais


Désiré Guillaume Édouard Monnais was a French journalist, theater director, playwright and librettist.

Life and career

Édouard Monnais was born in Paris and began his career as a journalist. In 1835, he became chief editor of the Revue et Gazette musicale de Paris. In 1836 he took a position at the Interior Ministry and in 1838 became Commissioner of Opera and soon afterward, the Paris Conservatory. From 15 November1839 to the end of May 1841, he co-directed the Paris Opera with Henri Duponchel.
Monnais wrote as a critic for Revue et gazette musicale de Paris and Le Courrier français, during which time he reviewed the work of artists including Balzac and Verdi. He was active in the support of music and opera, serving as Vice-chairman of the Association of Artists-Musicians, and also on juries, artistic committees and in support of competitions including the Prix de Rome.
Monnais sometimes wrote under the pseudonym of Paul Smith. He retired from public service a month before his death, and died in Paris after a lengthy illness. His funeral was held in the Notre Dame de Lorette and he was buried in the Père Lachaise Cemetery.

Works

Selected works include: