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French musicians who were born in 1911

Here are 7 famous musicians from France were born in 1911:

Rina Ketty

Rina Ketty (March 1, 1911 Turin-December 23, 1996 Cannes) was a French singer.

Her albums include Sombreros et Mantilles, Succès et raretés 1936-1939 and .

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Jean-Jacques Grunenwald

Jean-Jacques Grunenwald (February 2, 1911 Cran-Gevrier-December 19, 1982 Paris) also known as Jean-Jacques Grünenwald or J.J. Grunenwald was a French composer, film score composer, organist and architect.

His career in music began at the age of 22 when he became the organist of St. Vincent de Paul in Clichy, France. He went on to become the organist of other prominent churches such as St. Étienne-du-Mont in Paris and Notre-Dame-de-Paris.

Apart from his work as a composer and organist, Grunenwald was also an architect, having studied at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He designed several buildings in France, including a church in Villejuif and a cultural center in Levallois-Perret.

As a composer, Grunenwald worked on a wide range of genres including symphonies, chamber music, choral music, and music for films. He was particularly known for his organ compositions, and his works have been played by leading organists around the world.

Despite being recognized as a talented composer, Grunenwald's music is not as well-known compared to his contemporaries such as Olivier Messiaen and Francis Poulenc. Nonetheless, his contribution to the world of music and architecture remains significant.

Grunenwald was a prolific composer and his works were characterized by a strong sense of melody and harmony. His compositions were deeply influenced by his Catholic faith, and his sacred music was particularly revered. Some of his most famous works include the "Concerto for Organ and Orchestra", "Messe de Pentecôte" and "Choral Évocatoire".

In addition to his musical career, Grunenwald was also a dedicated teacher. He taught organ at the Paris Conservatoire, where his students included eminent organists such as Daniel Roth and Marie-Claire Alain. He was also a member of several musical and cultural organizations, such as the Société des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique, and served as the president of the Fédération musicale de France from 1955 to 1961.

Grunenwald passed away in Paris in 1982, leaving behind a rich legacy in music and architecture. His contributions to French culture have been recognized with awards and honors, including the Commandeur de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and the Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris.

In addition to his prolific career as a composer, organist, and architect, Jean-Jacques Grunenwald also served as a member of the French Resistance during World War II. He worked as a courier and helped in the distribution of underground newspapers. Grunenwald's involvement in the Resistance earned him the Croix de guerre and the Médaille de la Résistance. Later in his life, Grunenwald also served as a member of the jury for the International Organ Competition held in Chartres, France. He remains a respected figure in the world of music, and his contributions to French culture continue to be celebrated today.

Despite not being as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Jean-Jacques Grunenwald's compositions have left a lasting impact on the world of music. His reputation as an organist, in particular, has continued to grow since his passing. In recent years, his works have gained more attention as a new generation of organists have discovered and championed his music. Grunenwald's compositions represent a unique and important aspect of French music history, blending traditional forms with modern sensibilities in a way that continues to resonate with audiences today. His legacy as a composer, organist, teacher, architect, and Resistance fighter make him one of France's most multi-talented and influential cultural figures.

Jehan Alain

Jehan Alain (February 3, 1911 Saint-Germain-en-Laye-June 20, 1940) also known as Jehan-Ariste Alain, Jehan Artiste Alain or Alain, Jehan-Ariste was a French , .

His albums include Marie-Claire Alain joue Jehan Alain: Litanies/ Trois danses/ Suite pour orgue/ Intermezzo... and Complete works for organ, vol 2.

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Camille Maurane

Camille Maurane (November 29, 1911-January 21, 2010) also known as Maurane, Camille was a French singer.

He was born in Bordeaux, France and started singing at an early age. In the 1930s, he joined the opera company of the Théâtre des Arts in Rouen and later took over as its director. He then became the principal baritone at the Opéra-Comique in Paris and performed on some of the most prestigious stages in the world.

Maurane was known for his interpretation of French classical songs and was a champion of French vocal music, especially that of Gabriel Fauré and Francis Poulenc. He also recorded numerous albums of popular chansons, including songs by Jacques Brel and Georges Brassens.

In addition to his solo career, Maurane was also a respected voice teacher and gave masterclasses around the world. He was a member of the Legion of Honor and received many other awards throughout his life. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 98.

During his career, Camille Maurane performed with some of the most renowned conductors in the world, including Sir Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and Leonard Bernstein. He also appeared in several operas, including Don Giovanni, Carmen, and Cosi fan tutte.

In the 1970s, he co-founded the French Association for the Development of Vocal Art, which aimed to promote vocal music education in France. He also served as the president of the Borie Foundation, which helped support young artists in their musical endeavors.

Maurane was known for his warm and expressive voice, as well as his passion for the art of singing. He recorded over 100 albums throughout his career, which included works by composers from various periods and genres.

Despite his success as a performer, Camille Maurane maintained a humble and gracious demeanor throughout his life. He once stated, "Singing is not about showing off but about sharing emotions." His legacy continues to inspire aspiring vocalists around the world.

Maurane's contributions to the world of music were recognized not just in France but worldwide. He was awarded the International Music Council-UNESCO International Music Prize in 1973 and the Grand Prix du Disque in 1977. Maurane was also a prolific writer and authored several books, including "The Voice: Understanding and Practice." His writings offered valuable insights to young singers and were highly regarded in the vocal music community. Maurane was an accomplished linguist, speaking several languages fluently, including English and German. He was deeply committed to promoting the cultural heritage of France and was a staunch advocate for the French language. In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Académie Française Medal for his contributions to French culture. Even in his nineties, Maurane remained active and continued to give performances and masterclasses. He was greatly admired for his tireless efforts to promote vocal music and mentor young singers. His passing was mourned by the music community worldwide, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of singers. Maurane will always be remembered as one of the greatest baritones of his time and a true champion of French vocal music.

Throughout his life, Camille Maurane was known not just for his extraordinary vocal abilities but also his commitment to mentoring young singers. He believed that it was important for experienced artists to give back to the musical community by teaching and encouraging emerging talent. In 1983, he established the Camille Maurane Foundation, which offered vocal scholarships to young artists from around the world. The foundation also supported various musical projects and events to promote vocal music education.

Maurane's dedication to the art of singing was not limited to the classical repertoire. He was also a passionate advocate for jazz and popular music and collaborated with renowned jazz musicians such as Claude Bolling and Lionel Hampton. He also appeared in several musicals, including the French adaptation of Sondheim's "A Little Night Music."

Despite his many achievements, Camille Maurane remained a humble and approachable person, loved and respected by his colleagues and students alike. He will always be remembered not just for his extraordinary vocal talent but also for his generosity of spirit and his devotion to musical education.

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André Claveau

André Claveau (December 17, 1911 Paris-July 14, 2003 Brassac, Tarn-et-Garonne) also known as Andre Claveau, Claveau, André or André Cleveau was a French singer and actor.

His albums: 70 succès inoubliables and .

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René Cloërec

René Cloërec (May 31, 1911 Paris-December 13, 1995 Saint-Cloud) also known as Rene LeCloarec or René Albert Philippe Cloërec was a French film score composer and composer.

René Cloërec began his career in the world of music as a young boy, performing in choirs and studying at the conservatory. He became known as a film score composer in the 1930s, working on French cinema classics such as "Le corbeau" and "Les enfants terribles". In addition to his film work, Cloërec also composed music for the theatre and ballet.

During World War II, Cloërec served in the French Resistance and was captured by the Gestapo in 1944. He was imprisoned in Germany for several months before being liberated by American forces. After the war, he returned to composing and continued to work in the film industry until the late 1970s.

In addition to his musical career, Cloërec was also involved in the cultural and political life of France, and co-founded the Association des Compositeurs de Musique de Films in 1955. He was awarded the Légion d'honneur in 1982 for his contributions to French culture.

Cloërec's music is considered to be highly influential in the history of French film scores, and he is credited with creating a unique sound that combined elements of classical music and jazz. He worked with some of the most renowned French filmmakers of his time, including Jean-Pierre Melville, Henri-Georges Clouzot, and Jean Cocteau. Cloërec's compositions are marked by their emotional depth and their ability to heighten the drama on screen. His music for Cocteau's "Les enfants terribles" is regarded as one of his most impressive works, and has been celebrated for its ability to capture the psychological complexity of the film's characters.

In addition to his film and theater work, Cloërec also composed orchestral pieces, including the "Concerto pour piano et orchestre" which premiered at the Salle Pleyel in Paris in 1950. He was also a prolific writer, and published several books on the art of musical composition. Cloërec died in Saint-Cloud, France, in 1995, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and innovative composers in the history of French cinema.

Cloërec's interest in music began at a young age, as he grew up in a family of musicians. His mother was a singer and his father was a cellist in the Paris Opera. He received his formal music education at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he studied under composer Georges Dandelot and conductor Charles Munch. Cloërec's experience in choirs during this time would later inspire him to compose pieces for vocal ensembles.

In the early 1930s, Cloërec began his career as a film score composer. He quickly gained a reputation for his innovative and emotional music and became a sought-after collaborator. His work on the film "La Bête Humaine" (1938) solidified his position as one of the top film composers in France.

During his time in the French Resistance, Cloërec continued to compose music and even wrote a play, "La chenille qui voulait voler," that was performed in secret by members of the Resistance. This experience taught him the importance of music as a form of resistance, and he would go on to write several pieces that reflected this sentiment.

After the war, Cloërec continued to work in the film industry, but he also began to focus on composing music for the stage. He wrote several ballets, including "Fabulae," which was choreographed by Maurice Béjart and performed by the Ballet du XXe Siècle.

Throughout his career, Cloërec remained dedicated to the art of composition and was known for his meticulous attention to detail. He believed that music should be emotionally impactful and reflect the essence of the story it was accompanying.

Today, his legacy lives on through the many films, plays, and orchestral works he composed, which are still performed and celebrated by music lovers around the world.

Cloërec was also known for his collaborations with famed French director, Jean-Pierre Melville. Their partnership began with the film "Bob le Flambeur" in 1956, and continued with "Le Doulos" and "Le Samouraï". Cloërec's music for Melville's films is highly regarded for its ability to convey the brooding and moody atmosphere of the films.

In addition to his work as a composer, Cloërec was also a professor of music. He taught at the Conservatoire de Paris and was considered to be a highly influential educator. Many of his students went on to have successful careers in the world of music.

Cloërec's contributions to French culture and the art of film music have not gone unnoticed. In addition to the Légion d'honneur, he was awarded the Grand Prix National de la Musique in 1988. His name is celebrated alongside other greats of French film music, including Maurice Jarre and Georges Delerue.

Read more about René Cloërec on Wikipedia »

Maurice Baquet

Maurice Baquet (May 26, 1911 Villefranche-sur-Saône-July 8, 2005 Noisy-le-Grand) also known as Baquet was a French actor, cellist and skier. His children are called Gregori Baquet, Sophie Baquet and Anne Baquet.

Maurice Baquet was born in Villefranche-sur-Saône, France in 1911. He began playing the cello at a young age and went on to become a renowned cellist, playing in various orchestras in France and around the world. Aside from his music career, Baquet also pursued acting and appeared in several films throughout his lifetime.

Baquet was also an accomplished skier and competed in the 1936 Winter Olympics in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, where he placed fifth in the Nordic combined event.

Baquet's legacy lives on through his children, Gregori Baquet, Sophie Baquet, and Anne Baquet, who have all pursued careers in the arts. Maurice Baquet passed away in Noisy-le-Grand, France in 2005, leaving behind a rich and varied legacy as a musician, actor, and athlete.

Baquet was hailed as one of the most accomplished cellists of his generation. He studied under famous cellist and composer, Paul Bazelaire, and received further training from renowned cellist, Pablo Casals. In addition to being a soloist, Baquet was a member of several prominent orchestras including the Lamoureux Orchestra, the Pasdeloup Orchestra, and the French National Orchestra.

Baquet's film career spanned over six decades, and he appeared in more than 50 films. He began acting in the 1930s and gained critical acclaim for his roles in "The Last Metro" and "Les Enfants Terribles." Baquet was also known for his role in "La Grande Vadrouille," a comedy that became a French cinema classic.

Aside from his achievements in music and acting, Baquet was an accomplished athlete. He was a member of the French National Ski team in the 1930s and competed in several international events. Baquet also served as a coach for the French ski team in the 1950s.

Baquet's contributions to the arts were recognized with several awards and honors, including the Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres and the Legion of Honour. His love for music, acting, and skiing inspired his children, who have all become successful artists in their own right.

Maurice Baquet was not only an accomplished musician, actor, and athlete but he was also a devout pacifist. He refused to perform in countries with fascist governments, which led to his imprisonment during World War II. After the war, he became heavily involved in promoting peace and even co-founded an international organization for artists promoting peace called "Artists for Peace." Baquet also taught at the Paris Conservatory and wrote several books on music, including an autobiography titled "Coquelicot, cello, ski." He was known for his unconventional style and inventive techniques in playing the cello. Baquet's legacy as a multifaceted artist and passionate advocate for peace continues to inspire generations.

Baquet's dedication to promoting peace and his pacifist beliefs were largely influenced by his experiences during World War II. He was actively involved in the French Resistance during the war and was eventually captured by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp. Baquet used his musical talents to lift the spirits of his fellow prisoners and was eventually liberated by American troops in 1945.

After the war, Baquet became a vocal advocate for peace and worked tirelessly to promote international collaboration and understanding through art. In addition to co-founding Artists for Peace, he also established the Maurice Baquet Foundation, which supports young musicians and artists.

Baquet's dedication to music, acting, and skiing continued throughout his life, and he remained active in all three disciplines until his later years. Despite suffering a stroke in 2001, he continued to perform and teach until his passing in 2005.

Today, Maurice Baquet is remembered as a true Renaissance man who made significant contributions to the worlds of music, acting, and skiing, while also using his platform to promote peace and understanding.

Read more about Maurice Baquet on Wikipedia »