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François Tashdjian was a French-Armenian composer who was born on December 22, 1949, in Marseille, France. He was the son of Armenian immigrants who had fled the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century. Tashdjian grew up in a musical family, and his parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for music from a young age. Tashdjian began his musical education at the Marseille Conservatory, where he studied piano and composition. He later continued his studies at the Paris Conservatory, where he studied with renowned composers such as Olivier Messiaen and Iannis Xenakis. Tashdjian's early works were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 1960s and 1970s, and he was known for his experimental approach to composition. One of Tashdjian's early works, "Mécanique céleste" (Celestial Mechanics), was premiered in 1973 and received critical acclaim. The piece was inspired by the movements of the planets and stars, and Tashdjian used unconventional techniques such as prepared piano and electronic sounds to create a unique and otherworldly atmosphere. In the 1980s, Tashdjian's style began to evolve, and he began incorporating more traditional elements into his compositions. He was particularly interested in Armenian folk music and often used Armenian melodies and rhythms in his works. One of his most famous works from this period is "Armenian Requiem," which was premiered in 1988. The piece was a tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and featured a choir singing traditional Armenian hymns. Tashdjian's later works continued to explore the intersection of traditional and avant-garde music. He was particularly interested in the concept of "musical memory" and often used repetition and variation to create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia in his compositions. One of his most famous works from this period is "Le Tombeau de Komitas," which was premiered in 2002. The piece was a tribute to the Armenian composer Komitas, who was a victim of the Armenian Genocide, and featured Armenian folk melodies woven into a complex and intricate musical tapestry. Throughout his career, Tashdjian was recognized for his innovative and groundbreaking compositions. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris and the Prix de la SACEM. He was also a respected teacher and mentor, and many of his students went on to become successful composers in their own right. Sadly, Tashdjian passed away on January 28, 2021, at the age of 71. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. François Tashdjian was a true visionary in the world of classical music, and his contributions to the art form will be remembered for generations to come.

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