Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

September 13, 1924 in Lyon, France

Death

:

March 29, 2009 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Film

 

Maurice Jarre was a French composer who was born on September 13, 1924, in Lyon, France. He was the son of a radio and film composer, André Jarre, and grew up in a musical family. His father introduced him to music at a young age, and he began playing the piano and studying music theory. Jarre studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied composition with Arthur Honegger and Olivier Messiaen. He also studied conducting with Charles Munch and Jean Fournet. After completing his studies, he began working as a composer for French radio and television. In 1952, Jarre composed the music for his first film, "La Pointe Courte," directed by Agnès Varda. This marked the beginning of his career as a film composer. He went on to compose music for over 150 films, including "Lawrence of Arabia," "Doctor Zhivago," and "A Passage to India." Jarre's music was known for its sweeping melodies and lush orchestration. He often incorporated exotic instruments and musical styles into his scores, reflecting the settings and cultures of the films he was scoring. His music for "Lawrence of Arabia," which featured a prominent use of the Arabian flute, became one of his most famous and iconic scores. In addition to his film work, Jarre also composed concert music. He wrote several ballets, including "The Red Poppy" and "The Lady and the Fool," as well as a number of orchestral works. His "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra" was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1954, with Jarre himself as the soloist. Jarre received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He won three Academy Awards for Best Original Score, for "Lawrence of Arabia," "Doctor Zhivago," and "A Passage to India." He also won a Golden Globe Award for "A Passage to India" and a BAFTA Award for "Lawrence of Arabia." In 1993, he was awarded the Legion of Honor, the highest civilian award in France. Jarre continued to compose music until his death on March 28, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy of memorable and influential film scores, as well as a body of concert music that showcased his versatility and skill as a composer.

More....