Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

July 9, 1900

Death

:

June 9, 1957

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Robert Oboussier was a Swiss composer who was born on January 14, 1918, in Geneva, Switzerland. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Oboussier began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Oboussier studied music at the Geneva Conservatory, where he was taught by composers such as Frank Martin and Arthur Honegger. He also studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, who was a renowned music teacher and mentor to many famous composers. Oboussier's early works were influenced by the neoclassical style of composers such as Stravinsky and Hindemith. His first major work was a ballet called "Le Bal des Petits Lits Blancs," which was premiered in Geneva in 1941. The ballet was a huge success and established Oboussier as a promising young composer. During World War II, Oboussier served in the Swiss army and was stationed in the Alps. He continued to compose music during this time and wrote several works for the army band. After the war, Oboussier returned to Geneva and continued to compose music. One of Oboussier's most famous works is his opera "Le Petit Prince," which is based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The opera was premiered in Geneva in 1946 and was an immediate success. It has since been performed all over the world and is considered one of the greatest operas of the 20th century. Oboussier's music is characterized by its clarity and precision. He was a master of orchestration and was able to create complex textures with simple melodies. His music is often described as playful and whimsical, with a sense of humor that is rare in classical music. In addition to his opera, Oboussier wrote several other works for the stage, including ballets and operettas. He also wrote chamber music, orchestral works, and choral music. Some of his other notable works include "Le Roi David," a cantata based on the biblical story of King David, and "Le Voyage dans la Lune," a ballet based on the Jules Verne novel. Oboussier continued to compose music throughout his life and was active in the Swiss music scene until his death in 1980. He was a respected teacher and mentor to many young composers and was known for his generosity and kindness. Today, Oboussier is remembered as one of the greatest Swiss composers of the 20th century. His music continues to be performed and recorded, and his legacy lives on through the many composers he inspired and influenced.

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