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Michael Radulescu was a Romanian-born composer and organist who made significant contributions to the world of classical music. He was born on April 3, 1943, in Bucharest, Romania, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father, Ion Radulescu, was a composer and conductor, and his mother, Maria Radulescu, was a pianist. Michael Radulescu began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and composition with his parents. In 1961, Radulescu enrolled at the Bucharest Conservatory, where he studied composition with Mihail Jora and organ with Flor Peeters. He graduated in 1966 with a degree in composition and organ performance. After completing his studies, Radulescu worked as a freelance composer and organist in Romania, performing in concerts and composing music for various ensembles. In 1969, Radulescu was awarded a scholarship to study at the Hochschule für Musik in Vienna, Austria. There, he studied composition with Karl Schiske and organ with Anton Heiller. He also attended masterclasses with Olivier Messiaen, György Ligeti, and Karlheinz Stockhausen. During his time in Vienna, Radulescu became interested in microtonal music and began to experiment with new tuning systems. In 1973, Radulescu moved to Paris, France, where he continued to compose and perform as an organist. He became a member of the Groupe de Recherches Musicales (GRM), a research group dedicated to electronic music. He also worked as a teacher at the École Normale de Musique de Paris and the Conservatoire de Paris. Radulescu's music is characterized by its use of microtonal tuning systems and its exploration of the harmonic series. He developed a unique notation system that allowed him to notate microtonal intervals and complex rhythms. His compositions often feature extended techniques for the organ, such as glissandi, clusters, and multiphonics. One of Radulescu's most significant works is his organ cycle, "L'œuvre pour orgue," which he began in 1975 and continued to work on until his death. The cycle consists of over 20 pieces, each exploring different aspects of the organ's sound and tuning. The cycle includes works such as "Clepsydra," "Infinite to be cannot be infinite, infinite anti-be could be infinite," and "Astralis." Radulescu also composed works for other instruments and ensembles, including string quartets, orchestras, and choirs. His works often incorporate microtonal intervals and complex rhythms, as well as extended techniques for the instruments. In addition to his work as a composer, Radulescu was also a respected organist. He performed in concerts throughout Europe and North America, and recorded several albums of his own music as well as works by other composers. Radulescu's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was awarded the Grand Prix de la Ville de Paris in 1983 and the Prix de la Fondation Prince Pierre de Monaco in 1993. He was also a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Michael Radulescu passed away on September 25, 2018, in Vienna, Austria, at the age of 75. His legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and studied by musicians around the world.

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