 After a fallow period in the mid-1890s, Messager had an international success with "Les p'tites Michu" (1897).In 1898 his improved fortunes continued when he was appointed musical director of the Opéra-Comique in Paris.His work as a conductor left him little time for composition, and "Véronique" was his last stage work for seven years, despite its being his most successful work thus far.