Jules Massenet was born in 1842 in Saint-Étienne and died in 1912 in Paris. He was a renowned composer. He was also a teacher in Conservatoire de Paris. He also wan the Grand Prix de Rome. Several great composers were his students: Georges Enesco, Florent Schmitt, Ernest Chausson, and Gabriel Pierné. He was accused of sentimentality and unfairly unknown. We love to rediscover his melodies and sophisticated harmonies. A biennial festival in Saint-Étienne is organized as a tribute paid to him. His name was given to the conservatory of Saint-Étienne. “Joie !” is the second part of the trilogy opus 2. This song was ordered by a trio of sopranos composed of three sisters from a good family. It was often the case by the end of the 19th century. The atmosphere is bucolic and charming. Part 3 can be sung by a mezzo-soprano. This duet can also be sung by choirs. It is even better when the song is sung with the two others from the trilogy.
