THE OPERAS OF JOZEF MICHAL KSAWERY PONIATOWSKI IN THE OPINION OF NINETEENTH-CENTURY MUSIC CRITICS (Opery Jozefa Michala Ksawerego Poniatowskiego w opiniach dziewietnastowiecznej krytyki muzycznej)

The compositional output of Józef Michal Ksawery Franciszek Jan Poniatowski (1816-1873), which includes twelve operas (nine Italian and three French ones) written during the years 1839-1872, provides a representative example of the artistic pursuits by amateurs of noble birth (dilettanti). However, the presence of these operas in the repertoire of the most important European operatic theatres (Paris Opera, La Scala, Covent Garden) testifies to the position of the composer-prince being of some importance. In view of the popularity of both Poniatowski himself and his compositions in nineteenth-century European musical life, it is possible to trace the reception of his operas in the music press of the time. This review of press opinions relies primarily on reviews and critical articles which appeared in the columns of the most important nineteenth-century music periodicals, such as Revue et gazette musicale de Paris, L'Art musical, Le Ménestrel, Gazzetta musicale di Milano, and The Musical World. Critical opinion on the subject of Poniatowski's music varied and was often divided; many authors, mainly British, regarded the Prince's operas as totally without merit. On the other hand, in Europe, in Italy and France, reviewers often praised his artistic achievements.