Louis Aubert Paintings

Louis François Marie Aubert was a French composer born on February 19, 1877, in Paramé, which is now part of Saint-Malo, Brittany. Despite not being as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Aubert was a noteworthy composer and pianist of his time, whose work was influenced by the musical traditions of his native Brittany, as well as by the impressionist movement.

Aubert was a child prodigy who entered the Paris Conservatoire at the young age of 10. He studied piano under Louis Diémer and composition under Jules Massenet and Gabriel Fauré. Notably, Fauré regarded Aubert highly, which reflects in the expressive and refined style that characterizes Aubert's music. His compositions include operas, ballets, orchestral works, chamber music, and piano pieces. Among his notable works are the opera 'La forêt bleue' and the ballet 'Cinéma.'

Throughout his life, Aubert maintained a successful career as a pianist and teacher, holding a professorship at the Paris Conservatoire from 1922 until 1944. As a pianist, he was particularly known for his interpretations of French music, including the works of Debussy and Ravel, as well as his own compositions. He was also involved in the premieres of several of Ravel's works, reflecting the close relationship between the two composers.

Aubert's music is characterized by its lyricism, harmonic subtlety, and incorporation of Breton folk elements. Despite the high quality of his output, his conservative style meant that he did not gain the same level of fame as some of his avant-garde contemporaries. Nevertheless, his contributions to French music have been recognized by musicologists and performers, particularly in France.

Louis Aubert passed away on January 9, 1968, in Paris. Although his music is not frequently performed today, he is remembered as a significant figure in the landscape of early 20th-century French classical music, with a legacy that endures among those who appreciate the nuances of French impressionism and the rich musical heritage of Brittany.