Jean Martinon

Jean Martinon was a distinguished French conductor and composer, widely admired for his elegant style and deep musical sensitivity. Born in 1910, he trained at the Paris Conservatoire and went on to lead several major orchestras during his career, including the London Philharmonic and, most notably, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1963 to 1968. Martinon had a particular talent for interpreting French repertoire, though his programming was broad and adventurous, often championing newer 20th-century works alongside the classics.

As a composer, Martinon contributed symphonies, chamber music, and concertos, many of which reflect his refined orchestral palette and lyrical flair. His conducting legacy includes numerous acclaimed recordings, especially of works by Ravel, Debussy, and Saint-Saëns, as well as live performances marked by clarity and expressiveness. Martinon’s influence continues to resonate with both audiences and musicians alike, remembered for bringing warmth and sophistication to everything he touched.

Genres

Classical

Orchestra

Latest Release

Saint-Saëns: Symphony in F Major, R. 163 "Urbs Roma" & Dvořák: Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178 "From the New World" (Remastered 2022)

Jean Martinon•

Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Album - 8 Tracks - Released September 23, 2022