Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 25, 1903

Death

:

1995

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

André Fleury was a French composer and organist who was born on July 5, 1903, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. He was the son of a music teacher and began his musical education at a young age. Fleury studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of Marcel Dupré, Charles Tournemire, and Paul Dukas. He won the Prix de Rome in 1926, which allowed him to study in Rome for four years. Fleury's early compositions were influenced by the French organ school, particularly the works of César Franck and Charles-Marie Widor. He was also influenced by the music of Johann Sebastian Bach and the German organ tradition. Fleury's music is characterized by its clarity, precision, and elegance. He was a master of counterpoint and often used complex rhythms and harmonies in his compositions. Fleury's most famous work is his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered in 1949 by the Orchestre National de France. The symphony is in four movements and is notable for its use of polytonality and complex rhythms. The second movement, in particular, is a tour de force of counterpoint and orchestration. The symphony was well-received by critics and established Fleury as one of the leading composers of his generation. Fleury was also a prolific composer of organ music. His organ works are characterized by their virtuosity and their use of the full range of the instrument. His most famous organ work is his Prelude and Fugue on the Name of Alain, which is a tribute to his friend and fellow composer Jehan Alain, who died in World War II. The work is a masterpiece of organ music and is often performed in recitals and concerts. In addition to his compositions, Fleury was also a respected organist and teacher. He served as the organist at the Church of Sainte-Clotilde in Paris from 1930 to 1970. He was also a professor of composition at the Paris Conservatory from 1942 to 1975. Among his students were the composers Jean Guillou, Jacques Charpentier, and Thierry Escaich. Fleury's music fell out of favor in the 1960s and 1970s, as the avant-garde and experimental music became more popular. However, in recent years, there has been a renewed interest in his music, and his works are being performed and recorded more frequently. His music is now recognized as an important contribution to the French classical music tradition. André Fleury died on August 6, 1995, in Louveciennes, France. He was 92 years old. His legacy as a composer, organist, and teacher continues to inspire new generations of musicians. His music is a testament to his mastery of counterpoint, his love of the organ, and his devotion to the French classical music tradition.

More....