Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1882

Death

:

1955

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Keyboard

 

Marcel Samuel-Rousseau was a French composer and conductor who lived from 1882 to 1955. He was born in Lille, France, and showed an early interest in music. His father was a music teacher, and Marcel began studying the piano and violin at a young age. He also showed a talent for composition, and began writing his own music as a teenager. In 1900, Marcel moved to Paris to study at the Conservatoire de Paris. He studied composition with Gabriel Fauré and counterpoint with André Gedalge. He also studied conducting with Charles-Marie Widor and Vincent d'Indy. Marcel was a talented student, and won several prizes and awards during his time at the Conservatoire. After completing his studies, Marcel began working as a conductor and composer. He conducted several orchestras in France, including the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire and the Orchestre Lamoureux. He also composed music for a variety of ensembles, including orchestras, chamber groups, and solo instruments. Marcel's music was influenced by a variety of styles and traditions. He was particularly interested in the music of the Far East, and incorporated elements of Chinese and Japanese music into his compositions. He also drew inspiration from French folk music and the music of the Impressionist composers. One of Marcel's most famous works is his ballet score, "The Flute of Jade." The ballet tells the story of a Chinese princess who falls in love with a French diplomat. The music incorporates Chinese melodies and rhythms, as well as French Impressionist harmonies. The ballet was first performed in 1924, and was a great success. Marcel also wrote several works for solo instruments. His "Sonata for Flute and Piano" is a popular piece in the flute repertoire. The sonata is in three movements, and features a lyrical and expressive flute part. Marcel also wrote a "Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra," which was one of the first concertos written for the saxophone. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Marcel was also a teacher. He taught composition at the Conservatoire de Paris, and his students included the composer Henri Dutilleux. Marcel was known for his rigorous teaching style, and his students respected him greatly. Marcel's career was interrupted by World War II. He was living in Paris when the city was occupied by the Germans in 1940. Marcel refused to collaborate with the occupiers, and went into hiding. He continued to compose during this time, but his music was not performed publicly. After the war, Marcel resumed his career as a composer and conductor. He continued to write music until his death in 1955. Marcel's music is still performed today, and he is remembered as one of the most important French composers of the 20th century.

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