Maurice Emmanuel facts for kids
Maurice Emmanuel (born May 2, 1862 – died December 14, 1938) was a French composer and music expert. He wrote classical music and studied music history. He was born in Bar-sur-Aube, a small town in northeastern France. His granddaughter, Anne Eichner-Emmanuel, said that he first felt rhythm from the sound of his grandfather's printing press.
Early Life and Education
Maurice grew up in Dijon. In 1869, his family moved to Beaune, and he became a singer in the Beaune cathedral choir. His granddaughter also mentioned that he was inspired by the brass bands in Beaune's streets. He also loved the songs of grape pickers, which gave him melodies different from the classical music he learned.
In 1880, Maurice went to Paris and joined the Paris Conservatoire. There, he studied composition with Léo Delibes. He also learned harmony from Théodore Dubois and music history from Louis-Albert Bourgault-Ducoudray. Maurice also studied other subjects like art history at the Sorbonne and École du Louvre.
His teacher, Delibes, did not like Maurice's early music because it used unusual musical scales called "modes." This caused a problem, and Maurice had to leave Delibes's class. He then studied with Ernest Guiraud at the same Conservatoire. While there, he also met Claude Debussy, who became a famous composer. Maurice also attended classes taught by César Franck and later wrote a book about him.
Career and Teaching
Maurice Emmanuel had a very successful career in academics. In 1895, he wrote an important paper about the music of Ancient Greece. He earned a special degree called a doctorate for this work in 1896.
He taught art history at two schools, Lycée Racine and Lycée Lamartine, until 1904. After that, he became the choirmaster at the Sainte-Clotilde church. In 1909, he became a professor of music history at the Conservatoire. He taught there until 1936. Many famous musicians were his students, including Olivier Messiaen and Henri Dutilleux. Maurice Emmanuel passed away in Paris in 1938. He had destroyed most of his earlier music, keeping only about 30 pieces.
Musical Style and Works
Maurice Emmanuel was interested in many different kinds of music. He loved folksongs, music from Oriental countries, and unusual musical scales. His use of these unique scales in his music upset his old teacher, Delibes.
Even today, Maurice Emmanuel's music is not often heard, even in France. He wrote operas based on ancient Greek plays, like Prométhée enchaîné and Salamine. He also composed symphonies and string quartets.
Perhaps his most well-known works are his six sonatines for solo piano. These pieces show his wide range of interests. For example, the first sonatine uses music from the Burgundy region of France. The second one includes sounds like birdsong. The third uses a folk tune from Burgundy in its last part. The fourth sonatine is even called "in various Hindu modes," showing his interest in music from India.
See also
In Spanish: Maurice Emmanuel para niños
