Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1913

Death

:

1996

 

Julien Krein was a French composer born on December 17, 1887, in Paris. He was born into a family of musicians, and his father, Charles Krein, was a renowned clarinetist. Julien Krein began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and composition with his father. He later studied at the Paris Conservatory, where he was a student of Gabriel Fauré and Charles-Marie Widor. Krein's early works were heavily influenced by the Impressionist movement, which was popular in France at the time. His music was characterized by its lush harmonies, delicate textures, and evocative melodies. He was also influenced by the music of Russian composers such as Rimsky-Korsakov and Stravinsky, and his music often incorporated elements of Russian folk music. Krein's first major success came in 1912 with the premiere of his ballet, "Le Coq d'Or" (The Golden Cockerel), which was based on a story by the Russian writer Alexander Pushkin. The ballet was a critical and commercial success, and it helped establish Krein as one of the leading composers of his generation. During World War I, Krein served in the French army, and his experiences during the war had a profound impact on his music. His later works were more introspective and somber, reflecting the trauma of the war years. One of his most famous works from this period is his "Symphony No. 1," which was premiered in 1923. The symphony is a powerful and emotional work, with a hauntingly beautiful second movement that is often performed as a standalone piece. In the 1920s and 1930s, Krein continued to compose prolifically, producing a wide range of works in various genres. He wrote several operas, including "Le Roi David" (King David), which was based on the biblical story of King David and was premiered in 1921. He also wrote numerous chamber works, including several string quartets and a piano trio. Krein's music was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and he was often compared to other great French composers such as Debussy and Ravel. However, his music was not as well-known outside of France, and he never achieved the same level of international fame as some of his peers. Despite this, Krein continued to compose throughout his life, and his later works continued to explore new musical ideas and techniques. He died on September 29, 1950, in Paris, leaving behind a rich legacy of music that continues to be performed and appreciated today.

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