. . . or click on the link here for Audio Player – Rodolphe Mathieu: Piano Sonata No 1. – Guy Bourassa, Piano – CBC Transcription Service – 1954.
More Canadian composers and performers this week. Rodolphe Mathieu may not be as well known as his son Andrè, but he was an important figure in early 20th Century Canadian Music, despite the fact that his forward thinking and approach classified him as too avant-garde at the time. Born in Quebec and moving to Montreal when he was young, Mathieu made his way to Paris in 1920 where he studied with many notable figures and became friends with Albert Roussel, who encouraged him to study at the famous Schola Cantorum in Paris. After his return to Montreal in 1927, he got involved in teaching as well as founding the Canadian Institute of Music. In 1929 his son, Andrè was born. His compositional output gradually slowed down after 1934, concentrating primarily on chamber and vocal pieces. His last work, begun in 1956 was never completed.
Tonight it’s his Piano Sonata, composed in 1926. This radio performance, recorded by the CBC around 1954 in Toronto and issued via their Transcription Service features the Canadian pianist Guy Bourassa, another notable figure in Canadian musical life.
Another reminder the world of music is huge and there’s lots going on everywhere, all the time.
Enjoy.
Interesting to discover a composer…….one of the so many who transited through Paris,…….
Ans such a pianist as we.. Thx !!
I think he was eclipsed by his more tragic son, Andrè though. Still – an interesting voice. I’m glad you like it. I will be posting more Rodolphe Mathieu in the coming weeks.