Darius Milhaud French composer. Date of Birth: 04.09.1892 Country: France

1. Biography of Darius Milhaud
2. Early Life and Education
3. Explorations in Brazil and Collaboration
4. Controversial Works and Operas
5. Emigration and Later Years
6. Legacy and Death

Biography of Darius Milhaud

Darius Milhaud was a French composer known for his innovative and experimental approach to music. He was born on September 4, 1892, in Aix-en-Provence. Milhaud studied at the Paris Conservatoire under notable teachers such as Charles Leroi (harmony), André Gedalge (counterpoint), and Charles-Marie Widor (fugue).

Early Life and Education

Despite facing dissatisfaction with Leroi's conservatism, Milhaud showcased his sonata to the professor, which enraged him to the point of expulsion from the class. However, Milhaud found encouragement from Gedalge, who supported his compositional experiments. During his youth, Milhaud developed a strong aversion to Wagner's music and developed a deep admiration for Debussy's opera "Pelleas et Melisande," which influenced his early compositions.

Explorations in Brazil and Collaboration

In 1916, Milhaud accompanied poet and diplomat Paul Claudel to Rio de Janeiro as his secretary. This journey sparked Milhaud's interest in Brazilian folklore and traditional songs, which he later incorporated into his compositions, such as the "Saudades do Brasil" (1920-1921). Upon his return to Paris in 1918, Milhaud collaborated with Jean Cocteau and Belgian writer Paul Collaer, becoming part of the group of musicians known as "Les Six."

Controversial Works and Operas

Milhaud's suite "Le Boeuf sur le Toit" (1919), ballet "La Creation du Monde" (1923), and "Le Train Bleu" (1923-1924) gained him a reputation for creating scandalous music. He continued to experiment with his compositions, delving into operas such as "Les malheurs d'Orphee" (1924), "Esther de Carpentras" (1925), "Le pauvre matelot" (1925), and "Christophe Colomb" (1930). His opera "Medee" (1938) was composed on a libretto written by his wife, Madeleine.

Emigration and Later Years

During World War II, Milhaud emigrated to America, where he became a professor of composition at Mills College in Oakland, California. In the following years, he composed ten symphonies and two major operas, "Bolivar" (1943) and "David" (1952). Milhaud's prolific career also included concertos for various instruments, including marimba and percussion. He taught composition at both the Paris Conservatoire and Mills College after the war.

Legacy and Death

Milhaud's musical style encompassed a wide range of chamber music and orchestral compositions. He was known for his mastery of timbre and chamber writing, as well as his ability to compose for large ensembles. His works for symphonic orchestra include twelve symphonies and several piano concertos. In 1949, his autobiography "Notes sans musique" was published in Paris. In 1972, Milhaud was elected a member of the French Academy of Fine Arts. He passed away on June 22, 1974, in Geneva.