Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

Switzerland

Birth

:

January 24, 1907 in Basle, Switzerland

Death

:

June 4, 1994 in Sierre, Switzerland

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Keyboard

 

 

Vocal

 

Jean Daetwyler was a Swiss composer who was born on August 22, 1907, in Lausanne, Switzerland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, Charles Daetwyler, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Marie-Louise, was a pianist. Jean showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. Daetwyler's musical education began at the Lausanne Conservatory, where he studied piano, harmony, and counterpoint. He later studied composition with Joseph Lauber at the Zurich Conservatory. In 1929, he won the Prix de Rome, which allowed him to study in Rome for two years. During his time in Rome, he studied with Ildebrando Pizzetti and Gian Francesco Malipiero. After returning to Switzerland, Daetwyler began his career as a composer and conductor. He conducted the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra from 1933 to 1940 and the Lausanne Symphony Orchestra from 1940 to 1946. He also taught composition at the Lausanne Conservatory from 1940 to 1972. Daetwyler's music is characterized by its clarity, simplicity, and elegance. He was influenced by the neoclassical style of composers such as Stravinsky and Hindemith, as well as the folk music of Switzerland. His works often feature folk melodies and rhythms, as well as elements of jazz and popular music. One of Daetwyler's most famous works is his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, which was premiered in 1943. The concerto is in three movements and features a virtuosic piano part. It has been described as "a masterpiece of clarity and elegance" and is considered one of the most important Swiss works of the 20th century. Another notable work by Daetwyler is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered in 1952. The symphony is in four movements and features a lyrical and expressive style. It has been praised for its "richness of harmony and orchestration" and is considered one of Daetwyler's most important works. Daetwyler also wrote a number of chamber works, including a String Quartet and a Sonata for Violin and Piano. His chamber music is characterized by its intimate and expressive style, as well as its use of folk melodies and rhythms. In addition to his work as a composer, Daetwyler was also a respected conductor. He conducted many premieres of Swiss works and was known for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. He was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to many young composers. Daetwyler received many honors and awards during his lifetime, including the Prix de la Ville de Lausanne and the Prix de la Fondation de la Suisse Romande. He was also a member of the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences. Jean Daetwyler died on December 18, 1994, in Lausanne, Switzerland. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and elegant music that continues to be performed and appreciated today. His works are a testament to his talent as a composer and his dedication to the music of his homeland.

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