July 14. Bastille Day.

Étienne-Nicolas Méhul was perhaps the most important opera composer of the French Revolutionary Era. When one of his works was banned for political reasons, Méhul quickly figured out on which side his baguette was buttered and began writing propaganda pieces and patriotic songs. Vive la France!

He was rewarded by being the first composer named to the newly-established Institute de France in 1795. He was also installed as an inspector at the Paris Conservatory. Allegedly, he was one of the favorite composers of Napoleon, with whom he was on friendly terms.

According to musicologist and Berlioz biographer David Cairns, Méhul was also the first composer to be classified as “Romantic.” Judge for yourself, when I play his Symphony No. 4, around 1:30 p.m. ET, on WRTI 90.1 FM (in the Philadelphia area) or online at wrti.org.