Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

May 22, 1879 in Brest, France

Death

:

September 14, 1932 in Brest, France

Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Jean Cras was a French composer and naval officer who lived from 1879 to 1932. He was born in Brest, France, to a family of sailors and grew up in a musical household. His father, a naval officer, played the violin and piano, and his mother was a singer. Cras began playing the piano at a young age and showed a talent for music early on. Despite his musical abilities, Cras chose to follow in his father's footsteps and joined the French Navy in 1898. He served as a naval officer for over 30 years, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral. During his time in the Navy, Cras continued to compose music and became known as a talented composer. Cras's music is characterized by its use of impressionistic harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of Breton folk melodies. He was influenced by the music of Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel, as well as the traditional music of his native Brittany. Cras's most famous work is his String Quartet, which he composed in 1922. The quartet is notable for its use of Breton folk melodies and its impressionistic harmonies. It has been described as "one of the most beautiful and original works of the French chamber music repertoire." In addition to his String Quartet, Cras composed a number of other works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and songs. Some of his other notable works include his Suite en duo for violin and piano, his Sonata for flute, harp, and viola, and his opera Polyphème. Cras's music was well-received during his lifetime, and he was recognized as one of the leading French composers of his time. However, his career as a composer was cut short by his death in 1932 at the age of 53. Despite his relatively short career, Cras left behind a significant body of work that continues to be performed and admired today.

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