Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 23, 1900 in Bordeaux, France

Death

:

December 28, 1997

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Henri Barraud was a French composer and conductor who was born on April 27, 1900, in Bordeaux, France. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Henri Barraud Sr., was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Marie-Louise, was a pianist. Barraud began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with his father. Barraud's early compositions were influenced by the French impressionist style of music, which was popular at the time. He studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of Paul Dukas and Georges Caussade. He also studied with Maurice Ravel, who was a major influence on his music. Barraud's early works were well received, and he quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer. In 1925, he won the Prix de Rome, which allowed him to study in Rome for several years. While in Rome, he continued to compose and was influenced by the Italian Renaissance and Baroque music. After returning to France, Barraud began to focus on conducting. He became the conductor of the Orchestre des Concerts Colonne in 1934 and remained in that position until 1940. During this time, he also conducted the Orchestre National de France and the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire. Barraud's compositions during this period were influenced by his work as a conductor. He wrote several works for orchestra, including his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered in 1937. The symphony was well received and established Barraud as a major composer. During World War II, Barraud was active in the French Resistance. He continued to compose during this time, but his work was not performed publicly. After the war, he resumed his career as a composer and conductor. Barraud's later works were more experimental and avant-garde. He was influenced by the music of Stravinsky and Schoenberg and began to incorporate serialism and atonality into his compositions. He also experimented with electronic music and wrote several works for tape. One of Barraud's most famous works is his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, which was premiered in 1952. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases the piano's capabilities. It is considered one of Barraud's most important works and is still performed today. Barraud continued to compose and conduct throughout his life. He was a professor of composition at the Paris Conservatory from 1956 to 1970 and was a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. He died on August 28, 1997, in Paris, France. In conclusion, Henri Barraud was a talented composer and conductor who made significant contributions to classical music. His early works were influenced by the French impressionist style, while his later works were more experimental and avant-garde. He was a major figure in French music during the mid-20th century and his works continue to be performed today.

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