Albert Roussel

Short biography: Albert Roussel (1869-1937) was a French composer who began his career as a naval officer before turning to music. He studied composition at the Schola Cantorum in Paris under Vincent d'Indy from 1898 to 1907. After completing his studies, he taught counterpoint at the same institution until 1914. His compositional output spanned from early works influenced by Impressionism to later neoclassical compositions.

Historical placement: Roussel occupied a distinctive position in early 20th-century French music, bridging the gap between Impressionism and neoclassicism. His early works showed the influence of Debussy and the Impressionist movement, while his later compositions developed a more austere, contrapuntal style. He is considered one of the important French symphonists of his generation, contributing significantly to the revival of absolute music forms in France during the 1920s and 1930s.

Personal connections: Vincent d'Indy served as his composition teacher at the Schola Cantorum from 1898 to 1907. Erik Satie was a fellow student during his time at the Schola Cantorum. Among his notable students were André Jolivet and Bohuslav Martinů, both of whom studied with him during the 1920s and 1930s.

Important works:
Le Festin de l'araignée – Ballet (Op. 17, 1912)
Symphony No. 2 in B-flat major – Symphony (Op. 23, 1921)
Symphony No. 3 in G minor – Symphony (Op. 42, 1930)
Bacchus et Ariane – Ballet (Op. 43, 1930)
Symphony No. 4 in A major – Symphony (Op. 53, 1934)
Padmâvatî – Opera-ballet (Op. 18, 1918)
Suite in F major – Orchestra (Op. 33, 1926)
Piano Concerto in G major – Concerto (Op. 36, 1927)
String Quartet in D major – Chamber music (Op. 45, 1932)