Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1905

Death

:

1983 in Paris, France

Genre

:

Concerto

 

André Hossein was a French composer and conductor who was born on June 14, 1905, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. His father, Abol-Hassan Hossein, was a Persian musician who played the tar, a traditional Iranian stringed instrument. André Hossein grew up in a musical family and began playing the violin at a young age. He later studied composition at the Paris Conservatory under the tutelage of Paul Dukas and Georges Enesco. Hossein's early compositions were heavily influenced by his Persian heritage and incorporated elements of traditional Persian music. He also drew inspiration from French composers such as Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy. Hossein's first major work was his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1932. The symphony was well-received and established Hossein as a promising young composer. In the 1930s, Hossein began working as a conductor and led several orchestras in France. He also composed music for films, including the score for the 1937 film "La Marseillaise," which was directed by Jean Renoir. Hossein's film music was notable for its use of traditional Middle Eastern instruments, which added a unique flavor to the soundtracks. During World War II, Hossein joined the French Resistance and fought against the Nazi occupation of France. He continued to compose music during this time and wrote several patriotic works, including his Symphony No. 2, which was dedicated to the French Resistance. Hossein's music was banned by the Nazis, and he was forced to go into hiding to avoid arrest. After the war, Hossein resumed his career as a composer and conductor. He wrote several operas, including "Le Collier de Saphir" and "Le Roi de Lahore," which were both well-received. Hossein also continued to compose film music and worked on several notable films, including "Les Amants de Montparnasse" and "Les Misérables." In the 1950s, Hossein began to incorporate elements of jazz into his compositions. He wrote several jazz-inspired works, including his "Concerto for Jazz Band and Orchestra," which was premiered in 1954. Hossein's jazz-influenced music was well-received and helped to establish him as a versatile composer who was able to work in a variety of styles. Hossein's later works were more experimental and incorporated electronic music and avant-garde techniques. He wrote several works for tape and electronic instruments, including his "Concerto for Electronic Instruments and Orchestra," which was premiered in 1967. Hossein's later works were less well-received than his earlier compositions, but they demonstrated his willingness to explore new musical territories. André Hossein died on August 10, 1983, in Paris, France. He left behind a legacy of innovative and diverse compositions that drew on a wide range of musical influences. Hossein's music continues to be performed and recorded today, and he is remembered as one of the most important French composers of the 20th century.

More....