France

8 November

November 8th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Franck, March, 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 Belgian-born composer, organist, and teacher who became one of the most influential figures in French music. Known for his richly harmonic style and cyclic structures, he played a crucial role in shaping late Romantic music. After studying at the Paris Conservatoire, he spent much of his career as an organist, notably at Sainte-Clotilde in Paris, where he developed a reputation as an improviser and composer of sacred music.

His compositions include symphonic, choral, chamber, and organ works, with the Symphony in D minor (1888) being one of his most famous. Other notable pieces include Panis Angelicus, Prélude, Choral et Fugue for piano, and Violin Sonata in A major, which remains a staple of the repertoire. Franck’s music is marked by its dense harmonies, thematic unity, and spiritual depth.

As a teacher at the Paris Conservatoire, he influenced a generation of French composers, including Vincent d’Indy and Paul Dukas. Though his work was not widely recognised during his lifetime, Franck’s music gained prominence after his death, securing his place as a key figure in 19th-century French music.

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 Dukas was a French composer, critic, and teacher, best known for The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (1897), an orchestral scherzo inspired by Goethe’s poem. This work gained widespread popularity, especially after being featured in Disney’s Fantasia (1940).

A student at the Paris Conservatoire, Dukas was deeply influenced by composers like César Franck and Richard Wagner. His meticulous approach led him to destroy many of his compositions, leaving only a small body of published works. Among them, his Symphony in C (1896) and the opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (1907) showcase his refined orchestration and harmonic complexity.

Dukas was also a respected music critic and professor at the Paris Conservatoire, where he influenced notable composers like Olivier Messiaen. His works blend Romantic expressiveness with early 20th-century modernism, and while his output was limited, his legacy remains significant in French music.

17 August

August 17th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music August, Saxophone Concerto, Tomasi

Henri Tomasi 17 August 1901 – 13 January 1971

Saxophone Concerto

Henri Tomasi
By Michelsolis – Template:Michelsolis, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8738661

Henri Frédien Tomasi was a French classical composer and conductor, born on 17 August 1901 in a working-class neighbourhood of Marseille. His parents, originally from Corsica, instilled in him an early appreciation for music, and he began piano lessons at a young age. As a bright student, he won first prize in harmony by the age of fifteen. Tomasi’s early dreams of becoming a sailor led him to skip many music classes, but he later found success in both composition and conducting.

In the 1920s, he studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and won several prestigious awards for his compositions. Tomasi became known for works such as ‘In Praise of Folly’ and ‘Nuclear Era’, reflecting his disillusionment with society after World War II. His compositions often drew from diverse influences and cultures, from Corsican melodies to modernistic styles. Throughout his career, Tomasi’s innovative spirit and lyrical style left a significant impact on classical music. He passed away on 13 January 1971

13 August

August 13th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music August, Massenet, Méditation, Thaïs

Jules Massenet 12 May 1842 – 13 August 1912

Méditation From Thaïs

Jules Massenet
By Eugène Pirou (1841-1909). PhotographerRestored by Adam Cuerden – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b8422361z, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46161563

Jules Émile Frédéric Massenet was a famous French composer born on 12 May 1842. He is best known for his operas, having composed over thirty throughout his life. His most popular works include “Manon” and “Werther,” both of which are still performed today. Massenet began his music education at a young age, gaining admission to the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied under Ambroise Thomas, a composer he admired greatly.

In 1863, he won the Prix de Rome, a prestigious music award, which allowed him to study in Rome. His time there influenced his style and helped develop his unique voice in music. Known for his understanding of theatrical appeal, he became the leading opera composer in France during the late 19th century. Massenet also taught at the Conservatoire and mentored many successful musicians. Despite facing criticism later in life, his works were rediscovered in the mid-20th century, proving him to be an important figure in music history.

8 August

August 8th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music August, Chaminade, Concert Piece for piano and orchestra

Cécile Chaminade 8 August 1857 – 13 April 1944

Concert Piece for piano and orchestra

Cécile Chaminade
By Unknown author – Henrici, L. O. Representative Women. Kansas City, Mo.: The Crafters Publishers. 1913Original source: What We Hear in Music, Anne S. Faulkner, Victor Talking Machine Co., 1913., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=864492

Cécile Louise Stéphanie Chaminade was born on 8 August 1857 in Batignolles, a quaint village near Paris. Raised in a musical family, she began her piano lessons with her mother. At the age of ten, she impressed Félix Le Couppey from the Conservatoire de Paris, who suggested she study music. However, her father believed it was inappropriate for a young girl of her status to pursue a career in music. Despite this, Chaminade continued her education privately with renowned teachers.

By the 1870s and 1880s, she was performing her own compositions across France and beyond. In 1913, she became the first female composer to be awarded the Légion d’Honneur. Chaminade’s music was well-loved in England, where she frequently performed, even at the funeral of Queen Victoria, who enjoyed her compositions. Throughout her life, Chaminade was celebrated for her contributions to music, composing memorable pieces for piano and orchestra until her passing on 13 April 1944.

24 July

July 24th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Adam, If I Were King, July, Si j'étais Roi

Adolphe Charles Adam 24 July 1803 – 3 May 1856

Si j'étais Roi Overture (English: If I Were King)

Adolphe Charles Adam
By Nicolas Eustache Maurin – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b8415265x, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1650079

Adolphe Charles Adam was a French composer born on 24 July 1803 in Paris. He came from a musical family; however, his father, Louis Adam, did not want him to pursue music. Despite this, Adolphe defied his father’s wishes and became a successful composer known for his ballets and operas. His most famous works include the ballet “Giselle,” which premiered in 1841, and the Christmas carol “Minuit, chrétiens!” known as “O Holy Night.” Throughout his career, Adam wrote many operas, including “Le postillon de Lonjumeau” and “Si j’étais roi.”

In 1848, Adam faced financial difficulties after a failed venture to open an opera house. He recovered by teaching at the Paris Conservatoire and contributing to music journalism. His talent made him a prominent figure in Romantic French opera. Adam continued to compose until his death on 3 May 1856, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful music that is still celebrated today.

23 June

June 23rd

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music June, La valse d'Amélie, Porz Goret, Tiersen

Yann Tiersen Born 23 June 1970

La valse d'Amélie

Porz Goret

Yann Tiersen
By Nicolas Ollier – Nicolas Ollier, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2041591

Yann Tiersen is a talented French composer and musician, known for his unique style that blends classical and folk music. He was born on 23rd June 1970, in Brest, France. Tiersen began playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play various instruments, including the violin and guitar. He is most famous for creating the music for the film “Amélie,” which captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. His compositions often feature lively melodies and charming themes that reflect his love for the countryside and nature.

Tiersen’s albums, such as “La Valse des fleurs” and “Eusa,” showcase his ability to create atmospheric music that tells a story. With his rich musical background and creative spirit, he continues to inspire many musicians and listeners around the globe, making him a notable figure in contemporary music.

20 June

June 20th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Barcarolle "Belle nuit ô nuit d’amour", Can Can, June, Offenbach, Orpheus in the Underworld

Jacques Offenbach 20 June 1819 – 5 October 1880

Barcarolle "Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour" from Tales of Hoffmann

Orpheus in the Underworld Can Can

Jacques Offenbach
By Nadar (1820–1910)Alternative nameslegal name: Gaspard-Félix Tournachonpseudonym: NadarDescriptionFrench photographer, caricaturist, writer and balloonistDate of birth/death6 April 182020 March 1910Location of birth/deathrue Saint-Honoréavenue Franklin-D.-RooseveltWork period1854–1910Work locationParisAuthority file: Q40116VIAF: 84808952ISNI: 0000000121418535ULAN: 500005199LCCN: n50014563NLA: 35553829WorldCatRestored byAdam CuerdenDescriptionBritishImage restorationist, composer, amateur photographer and artist, and WikipedianAs Adam lives in Britain, which makes it incredibly easy to acquire copyright in his works, he grants, if needed, an irrevokable license to use this work however you see fit. He requests attribution where possible, and realises that “where possible” means that that request is not legally enforcable. Adam Cuerden (talk) 15:44, 16 January 2022 (UTC)Date of birth8 June 1979Location of birthUnited States – This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b530922314, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16897301

Jacques Offenbach was a German-born composer who became famous in France during the 19th century. He was born on June 20, 1819, in Cologne, but he moved to Paris when he was a young man. Offenbach is best known for his operettas, which are comedic musical theatre pieces. His most famous work, “Orpheus in the Underworld,” includes the popular “Can-Can” music, which is still performed today.

Offenbach wrote over a hundred operettas during his career, entertaining audiences with his witty and lively compositions. Despite his success, he faced challenges, including criticism and difficulties in getting his works staged. He continued to compose until his death on October 5, 1880. Today, Offenbach is celebrated as one of the pioneers of the operetta genre, and his works remain influential in the world of musical theatre.

16 June

June 16th

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Duruflé, June, Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens

Maurice Duruflé 11 January 1902 – 16 June 1986

Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens Op. 10

Maurice Duruflé
By Unknown photographer – “Maurice Duruflé 1902-1986; The Last Impresssionist” edited by Ronald Ebrecht, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8400140

Maurice Duruflé was a French composer and organist, born on January 11, 1902. He began studying music at a young age and showed great talent, particularly in playing the organ. Duruflé attended the Paris Conservatoire, where he learned from famous musicians. One of his most celebrated works is the “Requiem,” a beautiful piece that showcases choral music blended with orchestral sound.

Duruflé was known for his unique style, which often combined traditional elements with modern influences. He admired the music of earlier composers, like Gabriel Fauré and César Franck, and his own compositions reflect this admiration. Throughout his life, Duruflé taught music and influenced many young musicians. He passed away on June 16, 1986, but his legacy lives on through his music, which is performed worldwide, capturing the hearts of many with its emotion and depth.

3 June

June 3rd

Thomas Pitts Europe, France, Music Bizet, June, L'Arlésienne Suite

Georges Bizet 25 October 1838 – 3 June 1875

L'Arlésienne Suite No. 1 and No. 2

Georges Bizet
By Étienne Carjat – http://www.metronimo.com/fr/portraits/show.php?start=0&file=bizet3.jpg&album=7, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126335

Georges Bizet was a French composer who lived from 1838 to 1875. He is best known for his opera Carmen, which is one of the most famous operas in the world. Born in Paris, Bizet showed great musical talent from a young age and entered the Conservatoire at only nine years old. He studied with well-known composers, such as Charles Gounod, and won the Prix de Rome in 1857, which allowed him to study in Italy.

Although he had talent, Bizet did not achieve fame during his lifetime. His operas like Les pêcheurs de perles and La jolie fille de Perth were not very well received. His last opera, Carmen, premiered in 1875 but received a mixed response. It became popular only after his death. Bizet passed away at age 36, never knowing the success of his work. Today, he is celebrated for his contributions to 19th-century French music.