Role

:

Composer

Country

:

Mexico

Birth

:

October 9, 1954 in Mexico City, Mexico

Death

:

February 8, 2011

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Chamber

 

 

Orchestral

 

Eugenio Toussaint was a Mexican composer and pianist who was born on November 13, 1954, in Mexico City. He was the son of a French mother and a Mexican father, and he grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the arts. His mother was a painter, and his father was a writer and a musician. Toussaint's father played the guitar and the piano, and he introduced his son to music at a young age. Toussaint began playing the piano when he was six years old, and he showed a natural talent for the instrument. He studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City, where he was trained in classical music. He also studied jazz and other genres of music, and he became interested in combining different styles of music in his compositions. Toussaint's early compositions were influenced by the music of classical composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin. He also drew inspiration from jazz musicians such as Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans. He began to develop his own unique style, which blended elements of classical music, jazz, and Mexican folk music. In 1978, Toussaint formed a jazz trio with bassist Mario Patron and drummer Francisco Mora. The trio performed in jazz clubs in Mexico City and gained a following. Toussaint also began to compose music for films and television shows, and he became known for his ability to create music that captured the mood and atmosphere of a scene. In 1983, Toussaint released his first album, "Eugenio Toussaint," which featured his original compositions. The album was well-received by critics and helped to establish Toussaint as a composer and pianist. He continued to release albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including "México Mágico" (1985), "México Jazz" (1990), and "México Vivo" (1995). Toussaint's compositions were characterized by their complex harmonies, intricate rhythms, and use of Mexican folk music. He often incorporated traditional Mexican instruments such as the marimba and the jarana into his compositions. His music was also influenced by his interest in literature and poetry, and he often wrote pieces that were inspired by the works of Mexican writers such as Octavio Paz and Carlos Fuentes. One of Toussaint's most famous compositions is "Suite Chilanga," which was commissioned by the Mexican government to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the founding of Mexico City. The suite is a musical tribute to the city and its people, and it incorporates elements of Mexican folk music, jazz, and classical music. The suite was performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico and was well-received by audiences and critics. Toussaint also composed music for ballets, including "El Hombre de la Mancha" (1994) and "El Lago de los Cisnes" (1996). He collaborated with choreographers and dancers to create music that complemented the movements and emotions of the dancers. In addition to his work as a composer, Toussaint was also a respected pianist. He performed in jazz festivals around the world and collaborated with other musicians such as saxophonist David Liebman and guitarist Pat Metheny. He was known for his virtuosic playing and his ability to improvise and create new melodies on the spot. Toussaint's career was cut short when he died of a heart attack on November 3, 2011, at the age of 56. His death was a great loss to the Mexican music community, and he was mourned by fans and fellow musicians.

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