Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

November 11, 1917 in Rolle

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

Julien-François Zbinden was a Swiss composer, pianist, and conductor who was born on November 11, 1917, in Rolle, Switzerland. He was the son of a Swiss father and a French mother, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Zbinden began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Zbinden studied at the Geneva Conservatory, where he received a degree in piano performance. He also studied composition with the renowned Swiss composer Frank Martin. After completing his studies, Zbinden began his career as a pianist and conductor. He performed with various orchestras in Switzerland and France and conducted the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra from 1950 to 1967. Zbinden's compositions are characterized by their clarity, precision, and elegance. He was influenced by the neoclassical style of composers such as Stravinsky and Hindemith, as well as the jazz music of the 1920s and 1930s. His works include orchestral pieces, chamber music, piano music, and vocal music. One of Zbinden's most famous works is his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, which he composed in 1956. The concerto is a virtuosic showcase for the soloist, with fast and intricate passages that require great technical skill. The piece also features lush orchestration and a lyrical second movement. The concerto has been performed by many pianists, including Martha Argerich and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Another notable work by Zbinden is his Symphony No. 2, which he composed in 1961. The symphony is in four movements and features a wide range of moods and textures. The first movement is energetic and rhythmic, while the second movement is slow and contemplative. The third movement is a lively scherzo, and the final movement is a triumphant finale. Zbinden also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his String Quartet No. 1, which he composed in 1948. The quartet is in three movements and features intricate counterpoint and rich harmonies. Zbinden's Piano Trio No. 1, composed in 1950, is another notable chamber work. The trio is in three movements and features a virtuosic piano part. In addition to his instrumental works, Zbinden also composed vocal music. His Chansons pour les enfants, composed in 1952, is a collection of songs for children that feature playful melodies and simple harmonies. Zbinden also composed several works for choir, including his Mass for Mixed Choir and Orchestra, which he composed in 1959. Zbinden continued to compose and perform throughout his life, and he received many honors and awards for his contributions to music. In 1997, he was awarded the Grand Prix de la Ville de Lausanne for his lifetime achievement in music. He also received the Swiss Music Prize in 2001. Julien-François Zbinden passed away on March 15, 2021, at the age of 103. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative music that continues to inspire and delight audiences around the world.

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