Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Country

:

Russia

Birth

:

July 27, 1912 in Kiev, Ukraine

Death

:

March 7, 1983 in Antibes, France

Genre

:

Ballet

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Igor Markevitch was a Ukrainian-born composer and conductor who made a significant impact on the world of classical music during the 20th century. Born on July 27, 1912, in Kiev, Ukraine, Markevitch was the son of a composer and pianist, Boris Markevitch, and a singer, Zoya Pokitonova. His parents were both of Russian descent, and they moved to Switzerland when Markevitch was just a few months old. Markevitch showed an early interest in music, and he began composing at the age of nine. He also showed a talent for languages, speaking several fluently by the time he was a teenager. He studied music in Paris with Nadia Boulanger, one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. Boulanger recognized Markevitch's talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Markevitch made his conducting debut in 1931, at the age of 19, with the Orchestre Lamoureux in Paris. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented conductor, and he was soon conducting major orchestras throughout Europe. In 1933, he conducted the Berlin Philharmonic, and in 1935, he conducted the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Markevitch's career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the French Resistance. After the war, he resumed his conducting career, and he became the principal conductor of the Orchestre Lamoureux in 1947. He also conducted the London Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his conducting career, Markevitch was also a prolific composer. He wrote music in a variety of genres, including orchestral works, chamber music, and operas. His music was often characterized by its rhythmic complexity and its use of unconventional harmonies. One of Markevitch's most famous works is his ballet "Romeo and Juliet," which he composed in 1940. The ballet was first performed in Monte Carlo in 1946, and it has since become a staple of the ballet repertoire. Markevitch also composed several operas, including "L'Enfant et les Sortilèges," which was first performed in 1925. Markevitch was known for his exacting standards as a conductor, and he was often criticized for his demanding rehearsals. However, his attention to detail paid off in his performances, which were often praised for their precision and clarity. Markevitch received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1953, he was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for his recording of Stravinsky's "Le Sacre du Printemps." He was also awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1960, and he was made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1969. Markevitch continued to conduct and compose music until his death in 1983. He was widely regarded as one of the most important conductors and composers of the 20th century, and his influence can still be felt in the world of classical music today.

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