Jean-Michel Damase

The music of Jean-Michel Damase (1928 – 2013) refers to the rich tradition of the French Organ School. Born in Bordeaux, he began playing the piano at the age of five and composing at the age of nine. His first piano teacher was Marcel Samuel-Rousseau, and at the Paris Conservatory he studied in the classes of Alfred Cortot in piano and of Henri Büsser, Marcel Dupré and Claude Delvincourt in composition. At nineteen he won the prestigious Grand Prix de Rome for his cantata Et la Belle se réveilla. Before completely devoting himself to creative work, Damase performed concerts as pianist. For making in 1960 the first complete recording of Gabriel Fauré's nocturnes and barcarolles he received the Grand Prix du Disque. He composed ballets and operas, symphonic and chamber works in neoclassical style. Asked why he had remained loyal to tonality, he answered: "I'm loyal by nature." For his overall artistic achievement, Jean-Michel Damase was awarded the Grand Prix Musical of the SACD (Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers) and the Grand Prize of the City of Paris.