Milhaud, Darius 1892 - 1974
Author: Yano, Haruka
Last updated：January 1, 2010
Author: Yano, Haruka
Born into a wealthy Jewish family, Darius Milhaud grew up in the Provence region of France. He began playing the violin at age seven and soon after started composing. He entered the Paris Conservatoire as a violin major but gradually came to feel that composition was his true calling. During World War I, he was exempted from military service due to health reasons (he became severely disabled by rheumatoid arthritis, later confined to a wheelchair). When a friend, who was a diplomat, was assigned to Brazil, Milhaud accompanied him as his secretary. They lived in South America for about two years, and the unique atmosphere and musical rhythms they encountered there significantly influenced the young composer, which is clearly evident in his works. For instance, in his piano works, the finale of Scaramouche for two pianos would be a good example. Returning to Paris in November 1918, Milhaud became one of "Les Six." Two years later, in 1920, while in London for a performance of his works, Milhaud heard jazz for the first time, performed by Billy Arnold's Orchestra, and was deeply impressed. Upon returning home, he began collecting as much American popular music as he could find, which was very fashionable at the time, and immersed himself in it with his friends. In 1922, he embarked on a concert tour to America, and in 1923, he was inspired by hearing authentic Black jazz for the first time in Harlem, leading him to compose ballet music. It can be said that he was a composer who drew inspiration from various ethnic and folk musics encountered during his travels. At the beginning of his autobiography, Milhaud states, "I am a Frenchman from Provence, and by faith, I am a Jew." Just as he understood himself in this way, the memory of the tranquil landscapes of Provence remained central to his creativity, and the keyword "Provence" might be the most crucial for understanding Milhaud as a composer.
Works(68)
Concerto (2)
concerto (7)
Chamber music (8)
Piano Solo (12)
arrangement (1)
sonata (2)
pieces (13)
Trois Valses, Extraites du film “Madame Bovary” Op.128c
Composed in: 1933 Playing time: 4 min 00 sec
polka (1)
Various works (15)
Choral en l’honneur d’Ignace Paderewski (Homage to Paderewski)
Composed in: 1941 Playing time: 2 min 00 sec
Piano Ensemble (6)
pieces (3)
character pieces (2)
Various works (4)
Chamber Music (2)