David, Félicien (César)

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David, Félicien (César) (b Cadenet, 1810; d St Germain-en-Laye, 1876). Fr. composer. Chorister in Aix Cath. and at 18 2nd cond. of th. there. In 1831 joined Saint-Simonist movt. and travelled in Middle East, where he collected oriental melodies which later influenced his mus. Paris success with symphonic ode Le Désert, 1844, which in its exotic oriental tone-colours influenced Bizet, Gounod, and Delibes. His operas incl. La Perle du Brésil (1851), Lalla Roukh (1862), and Le Saphir (1865). Also wrote oratorios, chamber mus., 4 syms., pf. pieces, and songs.