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Maurice AndreFrench trumpeter.
Date of Birth: 21.05.1933
Country:  France |
Content:
Biography of Maurice André
Early Life and EducationMaurice André, a French trumpeter, was born into a family of miners. He received his first trumpet lessons from his father, who was an amateur musician, and soon developed a serious interest in music. In 1951, André entered the Paris Conservatory to study under Professor Raymond Sabarich. He graduated from the conservatory with top honors in both the cornet and trumpet classes a year later.
Professional Career
After completing his studies, André became a soloist in the Orchestra of the Society of Conservatory Concerts and quickly rose to prominence as one of the most notable French musicians of his generation. From 1953 to 1960, he played in the Lamoureux Orchestra and from 1960 to 1962 in the French Radio Orchestra. Following his victories in prestigious competitions in Geneva (1955) and Munich (1963), André gained worldwide recognition and embarked on an active solo career. He was one of the first trumpeters to play both the trumpet and the piccolo trumpet, performing compositions from the Baroque era.
From 1967 to 1978, André taught at the Paris Conservatory, where he introduced the study of the piccolo trumpet into the curriculum. He mentored over a hundred high-level trumpeters, including Bernard Soustrot, Guy Touvron, and others. In the 1980s, André frequently appeared on television, allowing a wider audience to appreciate his exceptional skill. In 2003, the Guild of Trumpeters officially recognized him as the "trumpeter of the century." By reviving interest in the trumpet as a serious concert instrument, he inspired various composers to create new compositions for this instrument. Concertos by Henri Tomasi, Boris Blacher, André Jolivet, and several other composers were dedicated to him.
Accomplishments and Recognition
As a soloist, André performed with renowned conductors such as Herbert von Karajan, Karl Richter, and Riccardo Muti. He released over 250 recordings, many of which achieved gold and platinum status. André was awarded the Legion of Honour, honorary membership in the Royal Academy of London, the gold medal of the Academy of Arts and Literature, and other prestigious accolades.
