A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Jonas, Émile
JONAS, Émile, one of the younger rivals of Offenbach in opera-bouffe, born of Jewish parents March 5, 1827, entered the Conservatoire Oct. 28, 41, took second prize for harmony 1846, and first ditto 47, and obtained the second 'grand prix' for his 'Antonio' in 49. His début at the theatre was in Oct. 55 with 'Le Duel de Benjamin' in one act. This was followed by 'La Parade' (Aug. 2, 56); 'Le Roi boit' (Apr. 57); 'Les petits Prodiges' (Nov. 19, 57); 'Job et son chien' (Feb. 6, 63); 'Le Manoir des Larenardière' (Sept. 29, 64); and 'Avant la noce' (March 24, 65)—all at the Bouffes Parisiens, Then, at other theatres, came 'Les deux Arlequins (Dec. 29, 65); 'Le Canard a trois bees' (Feb. 6, 69). Many of his pieces have been given in London, such as 'Terrible Hymen' at Covent Garden, Dec. 26, 66; 'The Two Harlequins' (by A'Beckett) at the Gaiety, Dec. 21, 68; and 'Le Canard,' also at the Gaiety, July 28, 71. This led to his composing an operetta in 3 acts to an English libretto by Mr. A. Thompson, called 'Cinderella the younger,' produced at the Gaiety Sept. 25, 71, and reproduced in Paris as 'Javotte' at the Theatre Lyrique, Dec. 22 following. [App. p.685 "'Le Chignon d'or,' Brussels, 1874; 'La bonne Aventure,' 1882; 'Le premier Baiser,' 1883."]
M. Jonas was professor of Solfeggio at the Conservatoire from 1847 to 66, and professor of Harmony for military bands from 1859 to 70. He is also director of the music at the Portuguese synagogue, in connection with which he published in 1854 a collection of Hebrew tunes. He has also been bandmaster of one of the legions of the Garde Nationale, and since the Exposition of 67 has organised the competitions of military bands at the Palais de l'industrie, whereby he has obtained many foreign decorations. Since 'Javotte,' M. Jonas has brought out no piece of importance.