#milhaud

[musicmakesyousmart]

Leonard Bernstein & the New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Milhaud: Les Choéphores

Columbia Masterworks

1962

[mikrokosmos]

Milhaud - Scaramouche, suite for alto saxophone and orchestra (1937)

Despite being a classical fan for years, there’s always going to be new discoveries for me. I sometimes like scanning through general music history books to see if there are notable works that I haven’t listened to yet. This was one piece in the “Impressionist” section. I know about Milhaud but haven’t listened to his stuff before. What I found was a dazzling suite for two pianos that was full of fun, but since I’ve been filling my blog with piano music lately I thought I’d instead share this orchestral version. The music comes from a few plays for children that Milhaud had written music for, and the “childlike” quality can be felt especially in the vivid open movement that’s a fun simple dance, but it’s simplicity is challenged a bit with awkward rhythms. The slow movement is charming and dreamlike thanks to the subtle dissonant harmonies in the orchestra, and the clear and airy sound of the saxophone. The last movement has another jagged rhythm and emphasis on percussion which gives the music a Latin feel. Which is no surprise since this movement is called “Brasileira”, and so purposefully evoking the rhythm and sound-world of popular Brazilian music.

Movements:

1. Vif

2. Moderé

3. Brasileira

[asoftpsychnerd]

really loving Milhaud’s music at the moment. i’m currently having a bit of a listening spree ☺️ i was completely in awe of Airas Ensemble’s recording of his La Cheminée du Roi René when i first listened to it a couple of months ago and now there’s no going back 😍 ⚠️ i have decided to stop making my 365 Days of Listening posts! they’re not getting many notes and i keep falling behind with them as i get busy with school and practice. i hope to still post regular updates about what i’m listening to, though!

[sonateharder]

Piano Duo Martha Argerich & Cristina Marton playing Milhaud Scaramouche at Tonhalle Zürich 23rd December 2014

(via Martha Argerich & Cristina Marton playing Milhaud Scaramouche at Tonhalle Zürich - YouTube)

[christianartdesannonces]

Demain, je participe au Salon du Livre de Milhaud. J’y présenterai mes guides dédiés au monde de l’art — dont le Guide du collectionneur d’art 2025/2026 — ainsi que plusieurs hors-séries et documents autour de la création et du marché. Un moment idéal pour discuter pratiques, parcours d’artistes et dynamique culturelle. Au plaisir de vous y retrouver !

[toihaismoi]

Les appontements de Milhaud au petit matin, Toulon

[toihaismoi]

Appareillage d'une frégate type "La Fayette", Toulon.

[jasonweinberger]

Jason and I have similar aesthetic interests and similar goals in where we see orchestra programming going. I know Jason is very much about helping audiences to see connections between different types of music, connections they may not have considered or noticed.

Composer and friend-of-wcfsymphony Timo Andres with some thoughtful words about our shared approach. This weekend the orchestra scales down to present Timo’s Paraphrase on Themes of Brian Eno alongside jazz-influenced music by Copland and Milhaud. My take on the show is also included in the Courier’s write-up:

It’s a neat program, bringing together music for smaller ensembles inspired by or drawing upon jazz and pop as source material. Copland is known for experimenting with jazz rhythms, and French composer Milhaud was totally taken by jazz when it made its way to France in the 1920s. I’ve always liked working on Timo’s music and exchanging interpretations and thoughts with him.

Saturday in Cedar Falls!