French musical composer, born in Paris. His parents were devoted to music, and he was brought up to play the cello, being educated at the Paris Conservatoire. He played in Pasdeloups orchestra, and soon began to compose, writing a cantata, Geneviève de Paris, at an early age. In 1884 his Ouverture héroïque was performed, followed by the choral symphonies, Léda (1884), La Belle au bois dormant (1886) and Penthésilée. But he is best known as a dramatic composer. In 1887 his first opera, Kérim, was produced; and in 1891 his successful opera Le Rêve, with a libretto founded on Zolas story. Another subject from Zola resulted in the opera LAttaque du moulin (1893), and libretti by Zola himself were written for his next operas Messidor (1897) and LOuragan (1901). Among Bruneaus other works may be mentioned his Requiem (1896), and his two collections of songs, Lieds de France and Chansons à danser. He was decorated with the Legion of Honour in 1895. His musical criticisms, published in several volumes, are remarkable for literary quality and vigour.
See Arthur Herveys volume on Bruneau (1907).