Role

:

Composer

Country

:

France

Birth

:

October 13, 1899 in Kharkiv, Ukraine

Death

:

May 12, 1989 in Ojai, CA

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Marcelle de Manziarly was a French composer and pianist who was born on February 17, 1899, in Paris, France. She was the daughter of a wealthy family and grew up in a musical environment. Her father was a composer and her mother was a pianist, so music was always a part of her life. She began playing the piano at a young age and showed great talent and promise. Manziarly studied at the Paris Conservatory, where she was a student of Nadia Boulanger, one of the most influential music teachers of the 20th century. Boulanger recognized Manziarly's talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Manziarly also studied with other notable composers, including Maurice Ravel and Paul Dukas. Manziarly's early works were influenced by the Impressionist style of music, which was popular in France at the time. Her compositions were characterized by their delicate melodies, rich harmonies, and use of color and texture. She was also interested in incorporating elements of folk music into her compositions, which gave her music a unique and distinctive sound. One of Manziarly's most notable works is her Piano Concerto, which she composed in 1935. The concerto is a virtuosic work that showcases Manziarly's skill as a pianist and composer. It is characterized by its lush harmonies, intricate rhythms, and dramatic contrasts. The concerto was well-received by audiences and critics alike and helped establish Manziarly as a major figure in French music. Manziarly also composed a number of chamber works, including a Sonata for Violin and Piano and a Trio for Flute, Viola, and Harp. These works are characterized by their lyrical melodies, intricate harmonies, and delicate textures. They showcase Manziarly's skill as a composer and her ability to create music that is both beautiful and emotionally expressive. In addition to her work as a composer, Manziarly was also a talented pianist. She performed extensively throughout Europe and the United States, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. Her performances were praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Manziarly's career was interrupted by World War II, during which she was forced to flee Paris and go into hiding. She continued to compose during this time, however, and her music was performed in secret concerts organized by the French Resistance. After the war, Manziarly returned to Paris and resumed her career as a composer and pianist. Manziarly continued to compose and perform throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Her later works were characterized by a more modernist style, with a greater emphasis on dissonance and experimentation. She also continued to incorporate elements of folk music into her compositions, which gave her music a unique and distinctive sound. Manziarly died on December 13, 1989, in Paris, France. She left behind a legacy of beautiful and emotionally expressive music that continues to be performed and appreciated today. Her contributions to French music are significant, and her work as a composer and pianist helped pave the way for future generations of female musicians.

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