In spite of the failure of "Cora" in 1791 and the banning of "Adrien" for political reasons the year after that, Méhul consolidated his reputation with works such as "Stratonice" and "Mélidore et Phrosine". During the French Revolution, Méhul composed many patriotic songs and propaganda pieces, the most famous of which is the "Chant du départ". Méhul was rewarded by becoming the first composer named to the newly founded Institut de France in 1795. He also held a post as one of the five inspectors of the Conservatoire de Paris. Méhul was on friendly terms with Napoleon and became one of the first Frenchmen to receive the Légion d'honneur.