Olivier Greif

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Olivier Greif (1950-2000) French composer of Polish/Jewish parents. Born Paris 1950. Died in 2000 in Paris.

Olivier Greif began composing at the age of 9, and would study at the Paris Conservatoire and the Juilliard. He is best known for his solo piano music and songs for voice. He left over 100 works completed at his death, along with several still in progress.

His career was spent teaching composition and directing music festivals such as Académie-Festival des Arcs.

[edit] Major Works

Greif's music is rooted in the late 20th century tonal styles of Benjamin Britten and Dmitri Shostakovich with strong element of folk music, as well as a gestural affinity for Franz Liszt. There is often a dark colouration to the sound, with a favoring of minor modes even in the context of works with a major pull to their tonality. His 23 sonatas for the piano have not been recorded as a complete cycle, and many of his works have been played only once.

Major works include the the "Sonate de Requiem" for cello and piano, four String quartets, Petite Messe Noire, the chamber opera Nô, and a set of 23 études pour piano.