Role

:

Composer Performer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

February 12, 1891 in Paris, France

Death

:

July 28, 1965 in Suresnes, France

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Maurice Yvain was a French composer and songwriter who was born on 12 February 1891 in Paris, France. He was the son of a music publisher and grew up in a musical family. Yvain began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition at the Paris Conservatory. He later studied with the famous composer Gabriel Fauré. Yvain's early career was focused on writing popular songs and operettas. He had his first major success in 1919 with the operetta "Yes, Yes, Yvette," which was a hit in Paris and later in London and New York. This success led to a string of other successful operettas, including "Ta Bouche" (1920), "Pas sur la Bouche" (1925), and "Charmante" (1928). In addition to his work in the theater, Yvain also wrote popular songs that were recorded by many famous singers of the time, including Maurice Chevalier and Josephine Baker. Some of his most famous songs include "Mon Homme" (My Man), "Je Chante" (I Sing), and "Dans la Vie Faut Pas S'en Faire" (In Life, You Shouldn't Worry). Despite his success in the popular music world, Yvain also had a deep love for classical music. He wrote several orchestral works, including a symphony and a suite for orchestra. He also wrote chamber music, including a string quartet and a piano trio. Yvain's most famous classical work is his ballet "Ta Bouche," which was first performed in Paris in 1921. The ballet tells the story of a young woman who is pursued by several suitors, but ultimately chooses the one who can make her laugh. The music is light and playful, with a strong sense of rhythm and melody. In the 1930s, Yvain's career took a new direction when he began writing music for films. He wrote the scores for several French films, including "Le Grand Jeu" (1934) and "La Belle Equipe" (1936). His music for these films was often romantic and sentimental, with lush orchestration and memorable melodies. During World War II, Yvain continued to write music for films, but also became involved in the French Resistance. He used his position as a composer to help smuggle messages and supplies to Resistance fighters. He was eventually arrested by the Gestapo and spent several months in a concentration camp before being released. After the war, Yvain continued to write music for films and the theater. He also wrote several songs for the famous French singer Edith Piaf, including "La Vie en Rose" and "Milord." Yvain's music continued to be popular in France and around the world, and he remained an important figure in French music until his death in 1965. In conclusion, Maurice Yvain was a versatile composer who made significant contributions to both popular and classical music. His operettas and songs were beloved by audiences in France and beyond, while his orchestral works and ballets demonstrated his skill as a composer of classical music. Yvain's music continues to be performed and enjoyed today, and his legacy as a composer and songwriter remains an important part of French musical history.

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