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Thomas (CHARLES LOUIS AM- BROISE to-m)

CHARLES LOUIS AM- BROISE (to-mä'), a French musical composer; born in Metz, Germany (then in France), Aug. 5, 1811. He entered the Parish Conservatory in 1828, where he carried off the first prize for piano playing in 1829, for harmony in 1830, following up these two successes by gaining the Grand Prix for musical composition in 1832. Before he had reached the age of 26 Thomas had produced a cantata, a requiem mass for orchestra, and numerous pieces for pianoforte, violin, and orchestra. His first success in opera was with "The Double Ladder" in 1837; followed by "Mina" (1843); "Betty" (1846); "Midsummer Night's Dream" (1850); "The Carnival of Venice" (1853); "The Romance of Elvire" (1860); "Mignon" (1866); "Hamlet" (1868); "Francesca of Rimini" (1882); with innumerable other operas, cantatas, part songs, and choral scenas. Thomas was appointed a member of the Institute in 1851, Professor of Composition in 1852, and succeeded Auber as director of the Conservatory in 1871.

He received the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor in 1880. He died Feb. 12, 1896.