Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

April 5, 1869 in Tourcoing, France

Death

:

August 23, 1937 in Royan, France

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Vocal

 

Albert Roussel was a French composer who was born on April 5, 1869, in Tourcoing, France. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a musical family. His father was a textile manufacturer who played the piano, and his mother was a singer. Roussel began playing the piano at a young age and showed a talent for music. Roussel attended the Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied composition with André Gedalge and counterpoint with Charles-Marie Widor. He also studied orchestration with Vincent d'Indy, who would become a significant influence on his music. Roussel was a diligent student and won several prizes during his time at the conservatory. After completing his studies, Roussel worked as a naval officer for several years. He served on several ships, including the battleship Iéna, and traveled to various parts of the world. Roussel's experiences in the navy would later inspire some of his compositions. In 1902, Roussel resigned from the navy and devoted himself to music full-time. He began composing in earnest and quickly gained a reputation as a talented composer. His early works were influenced by the impressionist style of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, but he soon developed his own unique voice. Roussel's first major work was his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1904. The symphony was well-received and established Roussel as a significant composer. He followed this with several other orchestral works, including the Suite in F and the ballet Le Festin de l'araignée (The Spider's Feast). In 1910, Roussel married Blanche Preisach, a German pianist. The couple had no children but remained devoted to each other throughout their lives. Blanche was a significant influence on Roussel's music and often performed his works. During World War I, Roussel served as a military bandmaster. He composed several works for military bands, including the Marche de la 2ème Division de Cavalerie (March of the 2nd Cavalry Division). After the war, Roussel returned to composing and produced some of his most significant works. One of Roussel's most famous works is his ballet Bacchus et Ariane, which he composed in 1930. The ballet tells the story of the Greek myth of Bacchus, the god of wine, and Ariane, a mortal woman. The ballet was a critical and commercial success and remains one of Roussel's most popular works. Roussel's other notable works include his Symphony No. 3, which he composed in 1929, and his String Quartet, which he composed in 1931. Both works showcase Roussel's unique style, which combines elements of impressionism, neoclassicism, and modernism. Roussel's music was not as well-known outside of France as the works of his contemporaries, such as Debussy and Ravel. However, his music was highly regarded by his fellow composers and musicians. Igor Stravinsky once called Roussel "the most remarkable French composer of his generation." Roussel continued to compose until his death on August 23, 1937, in Royan, France. He was 68 years old. Roussel's legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and recorded by orchestras and ensembles around the world. His unique style and contributions to French music have earned him a place among the great composers of the 20th century.

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