The cantata of the prix de Rome, next book... (1803-1871)

The Prix de Rome competition in the 19th and earlier 20th centuries was a major milestone in a young composer's career. In the course of this context, he or she was granted only a few days to set a libretto to music. The writing of these texts often corresponds to a "commission", and then in turn to a literary contest as carefully set up by the Academy of Fine Arts. It also complies with a strict code, which evolves in the course of the century, intended as it is to offer multiple opportunities for composers to express themselves. Literary quality and subjects constituted obvious criteria for selection, yet the influence of the current political context seems also to have Aged an important role.