Jacques Leguerney

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Jacques Leguerney (1906 - 1997) was a French composer especially noted for his art songs.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Jacques Leguerney has been referred to as "the latest--perhaps the last--great exponent of the mélodie".[1].

He was largely self taught, but studied with Nadia Boulanger for a short period. He was also influenced by Albert Roussel and Francis Poulenc, who was a close friend through his life.

His art songs were championed by such singers as Gérard Souzay, his sister the soprano Geneviève Touraine and Pierre Bernac, and more recently by American baritone Kurt Ollmann and pianist Mary Dibbern.

In addition to his art songs, he also wrote chamber music and orchestral music, including the ballet "Endymion" followed by the ballet "La Vénus Noire" which was a commission from the Paris Opéra.

He stopped composing after the Paris Opera failed to produce what he considered his masterpiece.

[edit] Chronological Works List

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Richard Miller, CHOICE (publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries) June 2002

[edit] Prinicipal Source

  • "The Songs of Jacques Leguerney: A Guide for Study and Performance", Mary Dibbern, Carol Kimball and Patrick Choukroun, Pendragon Press (January 2002), ISBN 978-1576470169

[edit] Selected discography

  • Jacques Leguerney: Mélodies de la Renaissance. Mary Dibbern at the piano with Lisa Bonenfant, soprano and Kurt Ollmann, baritone.. Harmonia Mundi France —Action Musicale Seita. (HMC 1171, stereo.) Recording made in collaboration with the composer.
  • Jacques Leguerney: Mélodies, Vol. 2. Mary Dibbern with Deborah Massell, soprano and Kurt Ollmann, baritone. Harmonia Mundi France—Action Musicale Seita. (HMC 1172, stereo.) Recording made in collaboration with the composer.
  • 28 Mélodies of Jacques Leguerney. Claves and Radio Suisse Romande-Espace 2 (Claves CD 50-9618). Mary Dibbern with Danielle Borst, soprano: Brigitte Balleys, mezzo-soprano and Philippe Huttenlocher, baritone.

[edit] External links