Darius Milhaud (1892–1974) was a pivotal 20th-century French composer and teacher, noted for his prolific output and vibrant melding of various musical traditions. Born in Marseille to a Jewish family, Milhaud was a member of Les Six, a group of young French composers mentored by Erik Satie and Jean Cocteau. His music is distinguished by its colorful harmonies, polytonality (use of multiple keys simultaneously), and a genuine fondness for Brazilian influences, which he absorbed during his time as a diplomat in Rio de Janeiro during the 1910s.

A prolific creator, Milhaud's compositions spanned many genres including operas, symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. He left a deep legacy not only through his works but also through his teaching at the Paris Conservatoire and later in the United States at Mills College in California. His time in America during and after World War II had a profound influence on the development of American composers such as Dave Brubeck. Milhaud's recent releases reflect the ongoing interest in his diverse oeuvre, showcasing his distinctive style that balanced modernity with a warm embrace of the music traditions of his Provençal heritage and his Jewish roots.

Genres

Classical

Early Modern Classical

Neoclassicism

Related Artists

Maurice Ravel

Erik Satie

Francis Poulenc

Claude Debussy

Igor Stravinsky

Yann Tiersen

Georges Bizet

Arthur Honegger

Ottorino Respighi

Manuel de Falla

Germaine Tailleferre

Olivier Messiaen

Latest Release

Milhaud: Scaramouche, Op. 165b: III. Brazileira (Arranged for Violin and Piano by Jascha Heifetz)

Darius Milhaud

Single - Released August 2, 2024