Roussel, Albert (Charles Paul Marie) 1869 - 1937
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
Last updated：August 1, 2008
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
French composer. Among his piano works, the Sonatine is well-known. Having lost his parents at a young age, Roussel was raised by his grandfather and uncle. He began playing the piano around the age of 11. He became a naval officer and embarked on voyages to the East, during which he composed and studied harmony. Upon falling ill, he retired from military service and resolved to dedicate himself to music. From the 1890s, he studied piano, organ, and composition in Paris with the organist Gigout. In 1898, he enrolled at the Schola Cantorum and attended d'Indy's composition lectures. As Roussel had already published his own works at the time of his enrollment, he also taught counterpoint while pursuing his studies at the school. This was highly unusual. Among the composers who studied with Roussel were Satie, Varèse, and Martinů.
Married in 1908, Roussel traveled again to the East, which he had previously visited during his naval career, accompanied by his wife. He showed interest in Indian music and incorporated its modes into his later works. Roussel began by being influenced by d'Indy and Debussy, and through his creative activities, he gradually established a neoclassical style incorporating modes and polytonality.
Works(15)
Concerto (1)
concerto (1)
Piano Solo (6)
Various works (6)
Chamber Music (2)