Boieldieu, François Adrien (b Rouen, 1775; d Jarcy, 1834). Fr. composer. First 2 operas, to libs. by his father, were prod. in Rouen in 1793 and 1795. Went to Paris in 1795, soon having operas staged there. First major success in 1800 with Le Calife de Bagdad, but Cherubini asked him ‘Are you not ashamed of such undeserved success?’ and took him as pupil, the first result (another success) being Ma Tante Aurore (1803). From 1803 to 1811 cond. of Imperial Opera, St Petersburg. Returning to Paris 1811, comp. Jean de Paris (1812), his biggest success until La Dame blanche (The White Lady) 1825, which is based on two Scott novels (The Monastery and Guy Mannering). Last years were haunted by ill-health and money troubles. Also composed chamber mus., concs. for hp. and for pf., and was prof. of pf., Paris Cons., 1798–1803, prof. of comp. 1817–26.

François Adrien Boieldieu (fräNswä´ ädrēăN´ bwäldyö´), 1775–1834, French composer. He studied with the organist of the cathedral in Rouen and composed one successful opera, Le Calife de Bagdad (1800), before he went to St. Petersburg. There he conducted (1803–11) the Imperial Opera. After his return to Paris his graceful opéras comiques, such as Jean de Paris (1812) and La Dame blanche (1825), were popular. He taught piano and composition at the Paris Conservatory.