Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Canada

Birth

:

February 18, 1929 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Death

:

June 2, 1968 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

André Mathieu was a Canadian classical music composer who was born on February 18, 1929, in Montreal, Quebec. He was the son of Rodolphe Mathieu, a well-known pianist and composer, and Marguerite Audet, a singer. André Mathieu showed an early interest in music and began composing at the age of four. His father recognized his talent and began teaching him piano and composition. At the age of six, André Mathieu made his public debut as a pianist, performing his own compositions. He continued to perform and compose throughout his childhood and teenage years, and by the age of 13, he had already written several piano concertos. His talent was recognized by the Canadian government, and he was awarded a scholarship to study in Paris. In Paris, André Mathieu studied with renowned pianist and composer Isidor Philipp. He continued to compose and perform, and his works were well-received by audiences and critics alike. In 1940, at the age of 11, he performed his Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, which was a great success. During World War II, André Mathieu and his family returned to Canada, where he continued to compose and perform. He wrote several more piano concertos, as well as chamber music and songs. However, his music was not as well-received in Canada as it had been in Europe, and he struggled to gain recognition. In 1949, André Mathieu suffered a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. He continued to compose, but his mental health deteriorated, and he was unable to perform. He died on June 2, 1968, at the age of 39, from complications related to alcoholism. Despite his short life and struggles, André Mathieu left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative music. His compositions are characterized by their virtuosity, lyricism, and emotional depth. His piano concertos, in particular, are considered some of the finest works of Canadian classical music. André Mathieu's Piano Concerto No. 1, written when he was just 13 years old, is a stunning work that showcases his prodigious talent. The concerto is in three movements and features a virtuosic piano part that is both technically challenging and musically expressive. The second movement, in particular, is a hauntingly beautiful adagio that is often performed as a standalone piece. His Piano Concerto No. 2, written when he was 17, is another masterpiece that demonstrates his skill as a composer and pianist. The concerto is in four movements and features a more mature and complex musical language than his first concerto. The third movement, a lively scherzo, is a particular highlight. André Mathieu's other works include his Rhapsodie romantique for piano and orchestra, his Sonata for violin and piano, and his Chansons écossaises for voice and piano. All of his compositions are characterized by their melodic beauty, harmonic richness, and emotional depth. In recent years, André Mathieu's music has experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the efforts of pianist Alain Lefèvre. Lefèvre has recorded several of Mathieu's works and has worked to promote his music to a wider audience. Today, André Mathieu is recognized as one of Canada's greatest classical music composers, and his music continues to inspire and move audiences around the world.

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