“Auber. Ring a bell?” Consider this Parisian street named Rue Auber. It is a tribute to the French composer Daniel Fran\u00e7ois Esprit Auber. This street sits in the 9th arrondissement. Rue Auber begins at Place de l’Op\u00e9ra. It ends at Boulevard Haussmann.
Now, let’s delve into its history. Rue Auber came to life in 1858. Initially, it was named Rue de Rouen. This was because it led to the western embarcad\u00e8re. The street got its current name in 1864. It was a nod to Auber’s proximity to the Th\u00e9\u00e2tre national de l’Op\u00e9ra. The Op\u00e9ra was under construction nearby.
Daniel Fran\u00e7ois Esprit Auber lived from 1782 to 1871. He was a master of French opera-comique. Auber served as an inspiration to Richard Wagner. Wagner looked up to him when writing Rienzi.
Auber was a true Parisian. He never felt the need to leave the capital. He once humorously remarked about his work with Scribe. Scribe’s opera librettos took him to so many places that he preferred staying in Paris.
Auber came from an artistic family. His grandfather painted for Louis XVI. His father, also a painter and music lover, worked at the Court. After the Revolution, the family moved to Paris. Auber’s father opened a print shop. Young Auber developed a taste for music thanks to his father’s connections.
His first music teacher was Jean-Blaise Martin. Martin was a famous Op\u00e9ra-Comique barytone. Auber showed promise and composed romances and Italian airs. His father wanted him to take over the family business. Auber was sent to London to learn commerce and English. However, his lack of interest and the resumption of hostilities brought him back to Paris.
Back in Paris, Auber began as an amateur musician. He took lessons with Ignaz Ladurner and performed in salons. He composed a small opera-comique. It was called L’Erreur d’un moment.
In 1808, his violin concerto became a success. It caught the attention of artists like Cherubini. Cherubini advised Auber to study and forget what he knew. Auber studied for three years with Cherubini.
Auber’s personal life also intertwines with the street’s story. At number 3, Paul Louchet had his studio. Louchet was a painter. Number 4 saw the first ATM in France in 1968. The Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 marseillaise de cr\u00e9dit installed it. Henry Aron, a journalist, died at number 5. The Compagnie g\u00e9n\u00e9rale transatlantique set up its headquarters at number 6 in 1884.
Rue Auber is more than just a street. It’s a blend of musical history and Parisian life. Next time you stroll along Rue Auber remember the composer. Remember the artistic spirit that defines this corner of Paris.