Joseph Kosma was a pivotal figure in the realm of 20th-century music, renowned primarily for his contributions to film scores and popular songs in France. Born on October 22, 1905, in Budapest, Hungary, Kosma's career was marked by a significant collaboration with the French poet Jacques Prévert, which yielded the timeless classic "Autumn Leaves" ("Les Feuilles mortes")—a song that has become an enduring standard in both the jazz and pop music repertoires. Kosma's journey into music began with a solid foundation in classical training, having studied at the Budapest Conservatory and later in Berlin with Kurt Weill. In 1933, fleeing the rise of Nazism, Kosma moved to Paris, where he immersed himself in the city's vibrant artistic community, eventually becoming a French citizen.

Throughout his career, Kosma demonstrated a remarkable versatility, composing music for over 100 films, including the score for Jean Renoir's "Les Enfants du Paradis" (1945), widely regarded as one of the greatest French films of all time. His work for the cinema did not only showcase his adeptness at enhancing narrative with music but also his ability to traverse different styles, from classical to popular French chanson. Beyond film music, Kosma's oeuvre includes ballets, operas, and choral works, reflecting his broad musical palette and deep commitment to his art. Despite his extensive contributions to film and popular music, Joseph Kosma's name remains predominantly linked to "Autumn Leaves," a testimony to the song's global resonance and the timeless quality of his music. Kosma's legacy endures, not only in the realm of French cinema and chanson but also in the jazz standards that continue to be celebrated and reinterpreted by artists around the world. He passed away on August 7, 1969, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire and enchant audiences.

Genres

Pop

World

Jazz

Classical

Avant-garde

Soundtrack

Opera

Choral

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Django Reinhardt

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Georges Auric

Latest Release

Kosma & Jaubert: Les enfants du paradis et autres musiques de films de Marcel Carné

Michel Plasson•

Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse•

Joseph Kosma

Album - 25 Tracks - Released October 11, 2024