Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

France

Birth

:

January 27, 1928 in Bordeaux, France

Death

:

April 21, 2013

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Jean-Michel Damase was a French composer and pianist who was born on January 27, 1928, in Bordeaux, France. He was the son of the composer and conductor, Henri Damase, and the pianist, Marie-Louise Boissier. His parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him to pursue a career in music from a young age. Damase began his musical education at the age of six, studying piano with his mother. He later studied composition with Tony Aubin at the Paris Conservatory, where he won first prize in composition in 1947. He also studied piano with Yvonne Lefébure and Nadia Boulanger. Damase's early compositions were influenced by the neoclassical style of Stravinsky and the French tradition of Ravel and Debussy. His music was characterized by its clarity, elegance, and refinement. He was also known for his use of unusual instrumental combinations, such as the harp and flute. One of Damase's early works was his Sonata for Flute and Piano, which he composed in 1949. The piece was well-received and helped establish his reputation as a composer. He went on to compose a number of other works for flute, including a Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, which was premiered by Jean-Pierre Rampal in 1952. In addition to his work as a composer, Damase was also an accomplished pianist. He often performed his own works in concert, as well as the works of other composers. He was particularly known for his interpretations of the music of Ravel and Debussy. Damase's music continued to evolve throughout his career. In the 1960s, he began to incorporate elements of jazz and popular music into his compositions. He also began to experiment with electronic music, using synthesizers and other electronic instruments in his works. One of Damase's most famous works is his Concerto for Harp and Orchestra, which he composed in 1962. The piece was commissioned by the French harpist Lily Laskine and has since become a staple of the harp repertoire. The concerto is characterized by its lyrical melodies and virtuosic harp writing. Another notable work by Damase is his Sonata for Harp and Flute, which he composed in 1953. The piece is a tribute to the French harpist Marcel Grandjany and is considered one of the most important works in the harp and flute repertoire. Damase also composed a number of works for voice, including several operas. His opera, "La Princesse de Clèves," which is based on the novel by Madame de La Fayette, was premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1965. The opera was well-received and helped establish Damase as a major figure in French opera. Throughout his career, Damase received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. He was awarded the Prix de Rome in 1953 and was made a Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1975. He was also a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts and the Académie des Sciences, Arts et Belles-Lettres de Bordeaux. Jean-Michel Damase died on August 21, 2013, at the age of 85. He left behind a legacy of beautiful and innovative music that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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