Casadesus, Robert 1899 - 1972
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
Last updated：December 1, 2008
Author: Saitoh, Noriko
1. Origin
Born in Paris to a father who was an actor, singer, and composer of operettas and songs. His uncle also worked as a conductor, composer, and violinist.
2. Education and Mentorship
He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he won first prizes in piano and harmony. He also received the Diémer Grand Prize. He studied under Louis Diémer, who was a pupil of Liszt.
3. Musical Style
His style is characterized by dissonant harmonies, counterpoint, and the use of modes. In addition to piano works such as Six Pieces for Two Pianos (1938), composed for performance with his wife, 24 Preludes (1924), and two Piano Sonatas (1947, 1953), he also composed symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and songs.
4. Activities Other Than Composition
As a pianist, he toured Europe, America, and the former Soviet Union. Recordings of his performances, including the complete piano works of Ravel, remain. He performed under the baton of Toscanini and also played in duos with violinist Zino Francescatti and his wife Gaby, who was also a pianist.
5. Teaching Career
At the age of 22, he was appointed professor at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau. He later served as its director. His pupil Monique Haas also recorded the complete piano works of Ravel.
6. Awards and Honors
He received the Brahms Medal, the Légion d'honneur, and the Order of Leopold (Belgium).
Works(16)
Piano Solo (9)
sonata (4)
Piano Ensemble (1)
Various works (2)
