Alphonse Varney


Alphonse Varney was a French conductor, mainly of opera. His son was the composer Louis Varney who studied music with his father.

Education

He studied at the Paris Conservatoire including counterpoint with Reicha.

Career

Varney conducted the Théâtre de Ghent in 1835, followed by the Théâtre Historique, the Théâtre Lyrique, the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens from 1857, the Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux from 1865-1878, and the Société Sainte-Cecile in Bordeaux. He was also invited to conduct the 'French Opera Season' in New Orleans in 1844.

Compositions

Varney composed a well-known Chant des Girondins, written for the play Le Chevalier de Maison-Rouge by Alexandre Dumas. He also composed the music for a drame-lyrique by Alexandre Dumas, fils in 1848 entitled Atala. His opéra comique La ferme de Kilmoor was savaged by the critics. Other stage works by Varney include Le moulin joli, L'opéra au camp, La polka des sabots and Un leçon d'amour.
He retired in 1878.