J. Meissonnier

cover 1837

History

Music publishing firm founded around 1811 by Antoine Meissonnier (1741–1821) and considerably enlarged by his son Jean-Racine Meissonnier (1794–1856), operating in Paris from 1811 until acquired by E. Gérard et Cie. in December 1859. Jean-Racine Meissonnier was also a guitarist and composer and the younger brother of Jean-Antoine Meissonnier (1783–1857). Antoine the elder operated the business until his retirement in 1842, at which time the firm changed its name to J. Meissonnier and to J. Meissonnier et fils (in 1846). See: Anik Devriès & François Lesure, Dictionnaire des éditeurs de musique français, vol. 2: De 1820 à 1914 (Geneva: Minkoff, 1988), p. 310–317.

Editions

Imprints, Addresses, Agencies

Imprints

• J. Meissonnier (ca.1821–ca.1840)
• Meissonnier Jeune (ca.1841–ca.1845)
• J. Meissonnier et Fils or J. Meissonnier Fils (ca.1845–1860) — Meissonnier's son Edouard assumed control of the firm

Addresses

• Paris, 28 Rue Dauphine (ca.1821–ca.1828)
• Paris, 22 Rue Dauphine (ca.1829–ca.1849)
• Paris, 22-24 Rue Dauphine (1850)
• Paris, 18 Rue Dauphine (1850–1860)

Agencies

• L. Meissonnier et Fils (Toulouse, ca.1846–ca.1847)

Plate Numbers

Meissonnier's plate numbers appear to have been issued in a fairly regular chronological fashion. Dates in parentheses are estimated.

• J.M. #### (ca.1821–ca.1856)
• C.M. #### (ca.?–ca.1860) — C.M. probably stood for Comp^e Musicale or Compagnie Musicale that appears on certain Meissonnier title pages. E. Gérard et Cie. continued to use the same plate prefix after acquiring the firm so many works listed as reprints are most likely original engravings by Gérard.
• L.M. # (ca.1846–ca.1847) — Plate used by L. Meissonnier et Fils (Toulouse).

Plate Prefix J.M.

Plate Prefix C.M.

Plate Prefix L.M.

Plate Prefix M.

Sources Consulted

• Cecil Hopkinson, A Dictionary of Parisian Music Publishers, 1700-1950 (London, 1954). Reprinted (New York: Da Capo Press, 1979).
• BNF data

Authority control

• VIAF (J. Meissonnier et fils)

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