France

8 November

November 8th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Franck, November, Symphony in D minor

César Franck 10 December 1822 – 8 November 1890

Symphony in D minor III. Finale. Allegro non troppo

César Franck
By Pierre Petit – This image is available from the New York Public Library’s Digital Library under the digital ID 1158368: digitalgallery.nypl.org → digitalcollections.nypl.org, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12892674

César Franck was a remarkable French composer, born on 10th December 1822 in Liège, Belgium. From a young age, he displayed extraordinary musical talent, performing his first concerts at just twelve years old. Franck later moved to Paris, where he studied with renowned teachers, including Anton Reicha. His career flourished as he became an organist at the Basilica of Saint-Clotilde, a position he held for over thirty years. Franck was celebrated for his exceptional skill in improvisation and wrote numerous important works, including the famous Violin Sonata and Symphony in D minor.

Throughout his life, Franck was devoted to teaching, inspiring the next generation of musicians. Many of his students, such as Vincent d’Indy and Louis Vierne, went on to make significant contributions to music. Although some of his compositions were not well-received during his lifetime, today, César Franck is recognised as one of the key figures in late Romantic music, being instrumental in the development of organ music and chamber works.

4 November

November 4th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Baïlèro, Canteloube, Chants d'Auvergne, November

Joseph Canteloube 21 October 1879 – 4 November 1957

Chants d'Auvergne Baïlèro

Joseph Canteloube
By unidentified photographer – Musicius.com: http://www.musicius.com/Photos-collecteurs/Canteloube.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4247825

Marie-Joseph Canteloube de Malaret was a notable French composer and musicologist born in 1879 in Annonay, France. He grew up in the beautiful Auvergne region, which inspired much of his work. From a young age, Canteloube showed talent in music, studying piano. After a brief period working at a bank, he returned to his family’s estate, where he continued his musical studies.

In 1907, he moved to Paris to study at the Schola Cantorum, becoming friends with other composers. Canteloube is best known for his collection of folk songs called Chants d’Auvergne, which showcase the spirit of the Auvergne people. Throughout his career, he composed operas, orchestral pieces, and songs that reflected his love for French folklore.

In the later years of his life, Canteloube collaborated on radio broadcasts and wrote about traditional music. He passed away in 1957, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be celebrated today.

19 October

October 19th

Thomas Pitts Asia, Europe, France, Iran, Music, North America, United States of America October, Pessaram Amin, Zoufonoun

Mahmoud Zoufonoun 1 January 1920 – 19 October 2013

Pessaram Amin For my son, Amin

Mahmoud Zoufonoun
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=737150

Charles-François Gounod, born on 17 June 1818 in Paris, was a renowned French composer. He is best known for his operas, particularly “Faust,” which premiered in 1859 and became hugely popular, and “Roméo et Juliette,” composed in 1867. Gounod’s work was influenced by his artistic family and his studies at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he won the prestigious Prix de Rome, enabling him to study in Italy and Germany. His religious convictions also shaped his music, leading him to compose many church hymns, including his famous “Ave Maria.”

In 1870, during the Franco-Prussian War, Gounod moved to England for safety. Although he returned to France after the war, he spent significant time in London and worked with various musicians. Despite his earlier successes, Gounod struggled to adapt to changing musical tastes later in life. He continued to compose until his death on 18 October 1893.

18 October

October 18th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Gounod, October, Symphony No.1 in D-major

Charles Gounod 17 June 1818 – 18 October 1893

Symphony No.1 in D-major

Charles Gounod
By Bayard & Bertall – Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Musique, PD-US, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62431977

1 October

October 1st

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Dukas, L'apprenti sorcier, October, The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Paul Dukas 1 October 1865 – 17 May 1935

The Sorcerer's Apprentice L'Apprenti sorcier

Paul Dukas
By Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3032648

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.

19 September

September 19th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Casadesus, Piano Concerto No. 2, September

Robert Casadesus 7 April 1899 – 19 September 1972

Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 37

Robert Casadesus
By Unknown author – [1] Dutch National Archives, The Hague, Fotocollectie Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau (ANEFO), 1945-1989 bekijk toegang 2.24.01.04 Bestanddeelnummer 925-8939, CC BY-SA 3.0 nl, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37004834

Robert Marcel Casadesus was a celebrated French pianist and composer, born on 7 April 1899 in Paris. Coming from a remarkable musical family, he studied at the Conservatoire under the guidance of Louis Diémer. There, he won several prestigious awards, including the Premier Prix in 1913. Casadesus was deeply influenced by his uncle, Lucien Capet, a prominent quartets leader, which sparked his love for chamber music.

In 1922, he began working with famous composer Maurice Ravel, and they performed together across Europe. Casadesus married pianist Gaby L’Hôte in 1921, and they often played as a duo. As a teacher at the American Conservatory during the war, he influenced many students. His last major work, Symphony No. 7, was completed shortly before his death on 19 September 1972. Renowned for his delicate style, Casadesus excelled in interpreting the works of Mozart and left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.

16 September

September 16th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music 3 Pieces for cello and piano, Boulanger, September

Nadia Boulanger 16 September 1887 – 22 October 1979

3 Pieces for cello and piano

Nadia Boulanger
By Edmond Joaillier (1886-1939), Paris http://data.bnf.fr/14764348/edmond_joaillier/ – Bibliothèque nationale de France, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10792503

Juliette Nadia Boulanger was a remarkable French music teacher, conductor, and composer, born on 16 September 1887 in Paris. Growing up in a musical family, she excelled at the Conservatoire de Paris but initially believed she lacked the talent to compose. Instead, she chose to teach and inspired many future musicians, especially in the United States and the UK. Her students included famous composers such as Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, and Quincy Jones. Boulanger was a trailblazer, becoming the first woman to conduct several major orchestras in America and Europe.

Throughout her long life, she taught in prestigious institutions like the Juilliard School and the Royal Academy of Music. Despite losing her sister Lili, also a talented composer, Boulanger continued to share her passion for music. She believed that dedication was essential for success and encouraged her students to embrace their unique voices. Boulanger’s influence on music remains profound, with her legacy enduring through her numerous students and their contributions to the art.

15 September

September 15th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Farrenc, September, Symphony No. 3 in G minor

Louise Farrenc 31 May 1804 – 15 September 1875

Symphony No. 3 in G minor Op. 36

Louise Farrenc
By Luigi Rubio – http://www.disons.fr/?p=30221, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41382885

Louise Farrenc was a remarkable French composer, virtuoso pianist, and teacher of the Romantic period. Born Jeanne-Louise Dumont in Paris on 31 May 1804, she was the daughter of a successful sculptor and began piano lessons at an early age. Her talent led her to study with renowned musicians, including Anton Reicha, who taught her composition privately because women were not allowed in traditional classes at that time.

In 1821, she married Aristide Farrenc, with whom she performed concerts across France. After a brief hiatus, she returned to music and gained fame in the 1830s. In 1842, she became the first woman to be appointed a permanent Professor of Piano at the Paris Conservatory, where she taught for thirty years. Despite her achievements, she initially earned less than her male colleagues.

Farrenc composed three symphonies, numerous chamber music works, and piano music, earning recognition for her unique contributions to the world of music. Her legacy continues to inspire musicians today.

3 September

September 3rd

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Magnard, September, Symphony No.3

Albéric Magnard 9 June 1865 – 3 September 1914

Symphony No.3

Albéric Magnard
By unidentified photographer, snapshot / photo instantané – Classical Composers Database: http://www.classical-composers.org/comp/magnard, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4209243

Lucien Denis Gabriel Albéric Magnard was a notable French composer born on 9 June 1865 in Paris. He was influenced by prominent composers such as César Franck and Vincent d’Indy. Magnard chose a life in music, despite his family’s wealth, turning away from the easy life that his father’s fame provided. After finishing law school, he pursued music at the Paris Conservatoire, where he learned from d’Indy and developed his unique style. He dedicated two symphonies to his mentor, highlighting their strong professional bond.

During World War I, Magnard became a national hero when he bravely defended his home from German soldiers. While ensuring his family was safe, he stood his ground when the soldiers invaded. Tragically, his efforts led to his death, as he perished in the fire that consumed his estate, destroying many of his unpublished works. Despite his relatively small output, consisting of symphonies, operas, and chamber music, Magnard’s legacy continues through his powerful compositions, which blend French melodies with intricate structures reminiscent of his influences.

22 August

August 22nd

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music August, Debussy, Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, Suite bergamasque

Claude Debussy 22 August 1862 – 25 March 1918

Suite bergamasque L75

Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune L.86 (1)

Claude Debussy
By Adam Cuerden – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b53118843k/f1, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=144077576

Achille Claude Debussy was a renowned French composer born on 22 August 1862 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Recognised for his innovative style, he is often associated with Impressionism, although he rejected this label. Debussy displayed musical talent early on, entering the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris at just ten years old, where he studied piano and composition.

His groundbreaking opera, Pelléas et Mélisande, premiered in 1902 and earned him international acclaim. Debussy’s compositions include orchestral works like Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune and La mer. He sought to break free from traditional symphonic forms, favouring evocative imagery in his music. Inspired by a range of influences, including Russian and Eastern music, he developed unique harmonies that challenged the musical norms of his time.

Debussy’s music continues to inspire many composers today, leaving a significant mark on the world of classical music.