1000 bef
The third note in the 1978-1992 series is a 1000 belgian frank note (€ 24.79).
On this note we see the image of André Ernest Modeste Gretry (1741-1813).
At the time of his birth (and death), Belgium was not yet created. He was born in Liège, currently Belgium, but at the era of life and work of Gretry, part of the French empire.
Although he was born in 'Belgium', he spent most of his life in France. He was burried at Père-Lachaise (Paris) but according his last testemony, his heart was returned to Liège.
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| André Ernest Modeste Gretry |
Gretry wrote not less than (comic) operas, of which L'amant Jaloux (the jealous lover), Richard Coeur de Lion (Richard Lionheart), Zémire et Azor (Zémire and Azor), are the most important.
Being a contemporary of Mozart, and working in the same business, was probably not easy.
His first opera, 'the Samnite weddings' (written in 1768, and reviewed in 1776) was no success at all, nevertheless, the great master himself, Mozart, took one aria out of this opera and wrote 8 variations on it.
see: 8 Variations on "Dieu d'amour", K. 352/374c : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73dMs1vOu6o
The 1000 belgian franc note, with french on the front side this time, shows the composer at a younger age.
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| 1000 belgian francs - 1982 Gretry |
At the reverse side we see some tuning forks, and 'views of the inner ear'.
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| 1000 belgian francs back - 1982 |
The banknote exists with 5 different signature combinations.
to be continued...
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