Paul Abraham Dukas was a French composer born on 1 October 1865 in Paris. Known for his shy personality and perfectionism, Dukas discarded many of his works. His most famous composition is “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (L’apprenti sorcier), which gained worldwide fame after appearing in the Disney film Fantasia. Dukas also composed the opera “Ariane et Barbe-bleue”, his Symphony in C, and various pieces for piano, including the “Piano Sonata in E-flat minor”.

After studying at the Conservatoire de Paris, Dukas became a music critic and contributed to several journals. He later became a respected professor, teaching many notable composers like Olivier Messiaen and Maurice Duruflé. Despite his talent, Dukas never achieved the recognition he desired during his lifetime. He did, however, earn the respect of both conservative and progressive musicians of his time. Dukas passed away on 17 May 1935, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful, yet often overlooked, compositions that continue to resonate today.